The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is the official body responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Nigeria. Every year, thousands of students register for the exam to gain admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

One of the key concerns for prospective candidates is the age limit for JAMB 2025/2026 and the requirements for registration. In this article, we will discuss:

• The official JAMB age limit for 2025/2026
• The eligibility requirements for JAMB registration
• Other important considerations for candidates

JAMB Age Limit 2025/2026: What You Need to Know

1. What Is the Official Age Limit for JAMB?

JAMB has set a minimum age requirement for candidates who wish to register for UTME. The official minimum age for JAMB registration is 16 years old.

This means that any candidate who is below 16 years old as of the time of admission will not be eligible to sit for the UTME. Even if a candidate registers and passes the exam, universities and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria may not accept them due to their age.

2. Is There a Maximum Age Limit for JAMB?

No, there is no official maximum age limit for JAMB. Candidates of any age can sit for the UTME as long as they meet the other admission requirements set by JAMB and their chosen institutions. However, certain schools may have specific age policies, so it is advisable to check with the institution of choice.

JAMB 2025/2026 Registration Requirements

To successfully register for JAMB 2025/2026, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Minimum Age Requirement

• Candidates must be at least 16 years old at the time of admission.

2. O’Level (SSCE) Results

• Candidates must have at least five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, in their WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or GCE results.
• Some universities allow candidates to use awaiting results, but the results must be available before admission is finalized.

3. JAMB Profile Registration

• Every candidate must create a JAMB profile on the official JAMB portal (www.jamb.gov.ng) before registration.

4. National Identification Number (NIN)

• The NIN (National Identification Number) is now a mandatory requirement for JAMB registration. Candidates must obtain their NIN before starting the registration process.

5. Choice of Institutions

• Candidates can choose up to four institutions, including:
  • A university (first choice)
  • A polytechnic (second choice)
  • A college of education (third choice)
  • An innovative enterprise institute (fourth choice)

6. Valid Email Address and Phone Number

• Candidates must have a valid and active email address and phone number for JAMB communication and updates.

Important Considerations for JAMB Candidates

1. Can a 15-Year-Old Write JAMB?

Technically, a 15-year-old can register for JAMB and write the exam, but they may face challenges during admission because most Nigerian universities require candidates to be at least 16 years old at the time of admission.

2. Can a 14-Year-Old Write JAMB?

No, candidates below 16 years old are not eligible for admission into Nigerian universities, even if they pass JAMB.

3. What Happens If a Candidate Lies About Their Age?

Providing false information during JAMB registration, including falsifying age, is considered examination malpractice. If discovered, such candidates risk being:

• Disqualified from the UTME
• Banned from future JAMB exams
• Denied admission by their preferred institution

4. What If I’m Below 16 but Want to Write JAMB?

If you are below 16 years old but want to write JAMB, you have two options:

• Wait until you turn 16 before registering.
• Sit for the exam, but defer your admission until you meet the age requirement.

Some universities, like the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), and the University of Ibadan (UI), strictly enforce the 16-year minimum age rule.

Universities and their Age Requirements for 2025 Admission in Nigeria

Below are the age requirements for federal, state and private universities in Nigeria:

AAU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

AAUA Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

ABSU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

ABU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

ABUAD Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

ACU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

ADSU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

ADUN Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

ADUSTECH Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

AFIT Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

AIFUE Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

AJU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

AKSU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

ATBU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

AUK Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

AUL Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

AUM Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

AUO Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

AUSU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

BASUG Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

BIU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

BMU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

BOSU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

BOUESTI Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

BSU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

BU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

BUK Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

BABCOCK Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

COOU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

DELSU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

DOU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

DUFUHS Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

EBSU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

EDSU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

EKSU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

ESUT Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

EkoUNIMED Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FBIU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUAZ Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUBK Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUD Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUDMA Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUGASHUA Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUHSA Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUHSI Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUHSO Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUKASHERE Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FULAFIA Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FULOKOJA Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUNAAB Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUNAI Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUOTUOKE Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUOYE Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUPRE Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUTA Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUTD Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUTIA Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUTMINNA Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUTO Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

FUWUKARI Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

GOUNI Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

GUMED Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

GUU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

GVU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

HUNI Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

HUST Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

IAUE Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

IBBU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

IMSU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

JABU Post UTME 2025/2026 is out

KASU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

KDU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

KHAIRUN Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

KSUK Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

KSUSTA Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

KUM Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

KUW Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

KWASU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

LASU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

LASUSTECH Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

LAUTECH Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

LCU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

LMU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

LUO Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

LASUED Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

MAAUN Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

MAUTECH Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

MCIU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

MCU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

MKU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

MLU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

MOUAU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

MTU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

NBU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

NDU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

NEU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

NOUN Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

NSUK Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

NUM Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

NUN Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

NWUS Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

OAU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

OAUSTECH Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

OOU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

PAAU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

PAU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

PLASU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

POLAC Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

PUMS Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

RNU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

RSU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

RUN Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

SLU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

SMU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

SSU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

SUMAS Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

SUN Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

SUNO Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

TASUED Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

TAU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UAES Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UI Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UMM Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UMYU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNIABUJA Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNIBEN Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNICAL Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNICHRIS Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNICROSS Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNIDEL Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNIHEZ Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNIJOS Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNIJSO Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNILAG Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNILESA Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNILORIN Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNIMAID Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNIMED Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNIOSUN Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNIPORT Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNIUYO Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNIZIK Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNN Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

UNICAL Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

WDU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

WMOU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

WUFPBK Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

YSU Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

YUMSUK Age requirement for 2025 admission is 16 years old

Wrapping Up…

For the JAMB 2025/2026 session, the minimum age requirement remains 16 years old at the time of admission. While there is no maximum age limit, younger candidates who do not meet the minimum age may face admission challenges.

To ensure a smooth JAMB registration process, candidates must:
✅ Meet the age requirement
✅ Have at least five (5) credit passes in relevant O’Level subjects
✅ Obtain a valid NIN before registration
✅ Use a valid email and phone number
✅ Pay the required registration fee

By following these guidelines, candidates can successfully register for the JAMB 2025/2026 UTME and improve their chances of gaining admission into their preferred tertiary institution.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to scroll down and make use of the below comment section. 🚀