UTME: FG approves only 108 of 39,000 underage candidates for admission

The Federal Government has cleared only 108 out of approximately 39,000 underage candidates who participated in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for possible university admission.

According to The Sun, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa disclosed this Wednesday in Abuja while receiving eight outstanding candidates.

Alausa explained that candidates below the minimum admission age of 16 must score at least 320 in UTME and achieve 80 per cent in post-UTME and O-level assessments.

They must also demonstrate sufficient psychological, emotional and intellectual maturity.

Of the 39,000 underage candidates, only 391 scored 320 or above, while further screening reduced the number to 108.

“You are the geniuses in our society,” Alausa told the successful candidates.

He explained that the admission age requirement was intended to ensure students could cope with university life.

The minister also recognised Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin and Enwere Kingsley Ikenna, who scored 372 and 370 respectively.