The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has revealed a startling statistic—over 11,553 underage candidates have already registered for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This revelation, made during an inspection of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers in Lagos, raises critical questions about why so many young children are being pushed into higher education early and what can be done about it.
The Numbers at a Glance
So far, 782,027 candidates have registered for the 2025 UTME, with about 1.5% of them being underage. On just one registration day, 443 underage candidates were recorded. JAMB has implemented new tracking measures to monitor this trend and assess whether some of these candidates are genuinely gifted or simply being pressured into the system prematurely.
Why Are Underage Candidates Rushing to Sit for UTME?
Parental Pressure & Societal Expectations
Many Nigerian parents push their children into tertiary education too early, often due to the competitive nature of the job market and the belief that an early start gives their children an advantage.
Early School Completion
Some children move through the school system too quickly, either due to skipping grades or enrolling in school much earlier than recommended.
The “Smart Kid” Syndrome
Some parents enroll their academically bright children early, believing they can handle the pressures of university education. However, emotional and psychological maturity is often overlooked.
Limited Awareness of JAMB’s Policies
Many parents don’t realize there are age requirements for university admission, assuming that passing UTME automatically grants entry.
Challenges Posed by Underage Admission
Maturity Gap: Young candidates often struggle with independent learning, social integration, and handling university-level responsibilities.
Increased Dropout Rates: Many underage students find it difficult to cope with the pressure of tertiary education, leading to withdrawals or failures.
Compromised Learning Experience: Universities are structured for young adults, and having significantly younger students in the mix can pose academic and social challenges.
How Can the Government and Parents Address This Issue?
Government Interventions
Stricter Age Regulations: Enforce the minimum age requirement of 16 years for UTME registration and university admission.
More Awareness Campaigns: JAMB should educate parents about the risks of early enrollment and the importance of a well-rounded educational journey.
Strengthening Basic & Secondary Education: Ensure the secondary school system adequately prepares students rather than pushing them into early university enrollment.
Parental Responsibility
Patience in Child Development: Parents should prioritize the child’s emotional and psychological readiness over academic acceleration.
Encouraging Alternative Pathways: Instead of rushing into university, underage students can take foundation programs, A-levels, or vocational training before entering tertiary education.
Balancing Academic & Social Growth: Education is not just about passing exams—it’s about growing into a responsible and competent individual.
The rise in underage UTME registrations is a symptom of deeper issues within Nigeria’s education system and parental attitudes toward early success. While academic excellence is crucial, rushing children into university prematurely can do more harm than good. A combined effort from JAMB, the government, and parents is needed to ensure that children enter higher education at the right time, fully prepared for its challenges.
