The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) helps students get into higher institutions like universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria. One important thing to know about JAMB is the age limit. If you plan to take the JAMB exam, you must know the age requirements, especially for the 2025 academic year, as there have been some changes.
What Is the Current JAMB Age Limit?
For the 2024 academic year, JAMB has set the minimum age at 16 years. If you are at least 16 years old, you can sit for the JAMB exam and be considered for admission into higher institutions. This age limit has existed for some time and is familiar to many students.
Upcoming Change in JAMB Age Limit for 2025
However, the age limit is changing starting from the 2025 academic year. JAMB has announced that from 2025 onwards, the minimum age for candidates will be 18. This means that only students who are 18 years or older will be allowed to take the JAMB exam and gain admission into higher institutions.
Below is a tweet posted by JAMB on the X platform.
Candidates who are 16 years old would be considered for admissions into tertiary institutions for the 2024 academic year, however , the entry age would be 18 years as from next academic year.
— JAMB (@JAMBHQ) July 18, 2024
Why Is the JAMB Age Limit Changing?
JAMB has decided to raise the age limit to 18 years to ensure that students are more mature and better prepared for the challenges of higher education. The idea is that at 18, students will have completed their secondary education and gained more life experience, making them ready to handle the demands of university or other tertiary institutions.
How Will This Affect Students Planning to Register for JAMB UTME?
If you are currently 15 or 16 years old and planning to take the JAMB exam for the 2025 academic year, you will need to wait until you turn 18. This may be disappointing for some, but it gives you extra time to prepare and improve your skills. For students who will be 18 or older by then, this change won’t affect you, and you can proceed as planned.
What Happens If You’re Under 18?
If you are under 18 by the 2025 academic year, you won’t be able to take the JAMB exam that year. Instead, you can use this time to focus on your studies, participate in extracurricular activities, or learn new skills useful in higher education. You can also prepare better when you finally become eligible for the exam.
Is There a Maximum Age for JAMB?
While there is now a minimum age limit of 18 years, there is no maximum limit for taking the JAMB exam. This means that no matter how old you are, you can still sit for the JAMB exam and apply to a higher institution. This is good news for older students who may have missed the chance to go to school earlier in life but are now ready to continue their education.
Conclusion
The JAMB age limit in Nigeria is set to change from 16 years to 18 years starting from the 2025 academic year. This change is meant to ensure that students are more mature and ready for the challenges of higher education. If you are under 18, you will need to wait until you reach the required age. However, there is no upper age limit, so anyone, regardless of age, can still pursue their educational dreams.
FAQs
What is the new age limit for JAMB in 2025?
Starting from the 2025 academic year, the new minimum age limit for taking the JAMB exam is 18 years old.
Can I take the JAMB exam if I am 16 years old in 2025?
No, from the 2025 academic year onward, only candidates who are 18 years or older will be allowed to take the JAMB exam.
Why did JAMB change the age limit to 18 years?
JAMB raised the age limit to 18 years to ensure that students are more mature and better prepared for the challenges of higher education.
What if I am 17 years old in 2025? Can I still take the JAMB exam?
If you are 17 years old in 2025, you will need to wait until you turn 18 to take the JAMB exam.
Is there a maximum age limit for taking the JAMB exam?
No, there is no maximum age limit for taking the JAMB exam. You can take the exam at any age as long as you meet the minimum age requirement.
Can I still get into a university if I am 16 years old in 2024?
Yes, if you are 16 years old in 2024, you can still take the JAMB exam and be considered for admission into a higher institution for the 2024 academic year.
What should I do if I am not yet 18 in 2025 but want to go to university?
If you are not yet 18 in 2025, you can use the time to focus on your studies, learn new skills, and prepare yourself better for when you become eligible to take the JAMB exam.
Will this new age limit affect students already in a higher institution?
No, the new age limit will only affect students who plan to take the JAMB exam starting in the 2025 academic year. It will not affect those who have already been admitted into higher institutions.
How can I prepare for JAMB if I am currently under 18?
If you are under 18, you can prepare by focusing on your secondary school studies, improving your reading and writing skills, and participating in activities that will help you succeed in higher education.
Is the age limit change permanent?
Yes, the change to an 18-year minimum age limit is expected to be permanent starting from the 2025 academic year unless JAMB announces otherwise.