The Federal Government has revealed that only 108 of approximately 39,000 underage UTME candidates passed its screening for possible university admission.
According to TheCable, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday while receiving eight outstanding candidates from the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
The candidates, including the two highest scorers and six exceptional underage candidates, were presented by JAMB Registrar Segun Aina.
Alausa explained that the screening assessed academic performance alongside psychological, emotional and intellectual readiness for university education.
He maintained that exceptionally gifted students deserved opportunities to advance academically without compromising admission standards.
FG explains screening process for underage UTME candidates
The minister disclosed that 2,244,149 candidates registered for the 2026 UTME, while 2,174,396 participated in the examination.
Of those who sat the examination, approximately 39,000 were below the minimum admission age of 16.
However, only 391 underage candidates scored at least 320 marks, with further assessments reducing the number eligible for admission consideration to 108.
Alausa described the successful candidates as exceptionally gifted, noting that they represented approximately 0.005 per cent of examination participants.
“You are the geniuses in our society,” the minister told the candidates.
“You are the ones that will change Nigeria and change the world with your innovations.”
He explained that the government had a responsibility to identify exceptional talents and nurture their abilities to address national challenges.
The minister also clarified that the minimum admission age was not intended to deny gifted children educational opportunities.
Rather, he said the policy ensured younger candidates possessed the maturity needed to handle academic and social responsibilities.
Alausa stressed that outstanding academic performance alone could not determine admission, highlighting the importance of emotional stability.
Top UTME candidates receive recognition
The minister urged the successful candidates to use their abilities to contribute meaningfully to society.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s youthful population, estimating that approximately 70 per cent of Nigerians were below 30 years old.
According to him, ongoing education reforms aim to expand opportunities for young Nigerians and promote innovation.
Alausa congratulated the candidates on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the education ministry.
During the ceremony, the eight recognised candidates received plaques and certificates for their outstanding performances.
Daniella Owoeye emerged as the highest-scoring candidate with 372 marks, followed by Enwere Kingsley Ikenna with 370.
Owoeye had earlier disclosed that she used artificial intelligence to summarise study materials while preparing for the examination.
She also participated in WhatsApp study groups, which helped strengthen her preparation for the 2026 UTME.
