Nigeria Launches Historic Support System for Brilliant Underage University Students.

Professor Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has received widespread praise for initiating Nigeria’s first-ever national support framework for exceptionally gifted students under 16 who gained admission into universities.

The commendation came during the First Stakeholder Engagement for Underage Students Admitted in the 2025/2026 Academic Session, held in Abuja by the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG). The event, themed “Achieving Success in Higher Education of Underage Students Admitted in the 2025/2026 Session,” brought together 283 participants, including vice-chancellors, education experts, parents, psychologists, legal scholars, and the young students themselves.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Professor Peter Okebukola, President of Global University for Innovation Africa, described the initiative as groundbreaking. He noted that no other higher education system in the world has created such a comprehensive national support structure for underage prodigies.

A total of 96 students below the age of 16 were admitted this year after a very strict screening process. To qualify, they had to score at least 320 in UTME, 80% in post-UTME, 80% in WAEC/NECO, and also pass an independent expert interview with 80% and above.

Professor Oloyede made it clear that these admissions were not accidental or based on favouritism. He emphasized that while Nigeria’s education policy expects students to enter university around age 16, truly exceptional cases deserve structured support rather than being left to struggle alone.

Some universities, like the University of Lagos and University of Ibadan, still maintain a strict 16-year minimum age policy. However, others are admitting these brilliant young students with proper safeguards in place.

Each of the 96 students has now been assigned a personal mentor. Stakeholders agreed that parents, lecturers, counsellors, and school administrators all have important roles to play in helping them succeed academically, emotionally, and socially.

Participants at the event endorsed the name “Exceptionally Brilliant Underage Students (EBUAS)” for this special group. The engagement featured technical sessions on academic support, psychological well-being, and legal frameworks for child protection.

Vice-chancellors from universities already admitting these students, including University of Ilorin, Covenant University, and Afe Babalola University, sent goodwill messages.

This stakeholder meeting is just the beginning. JEOG plans to hold more zonal meetings across the country to ensure these young talents are properly guided to complete their education successfully and safely.