JAMB Announces Special Screening for Outstanding Under-16 UTME Candidates Dates, Venues & Requirements

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced a special screening exercise for a unique group of candidates — outstanding students under the age of 16 who took part in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This important exercise will take place from September 22 to September 26, 2025 at three selected centres across Nigeria.

According to JAMB, we are all kow that every year this screening may happen so what is the purpose of it because aim of this screening is to ensure that only the student who most exceptional underage candidates are considered for admission into higher institutions.

These are students who have not only performed well in their exams but have also shown signs of readiness to begin their studies at the tertiary level despite their young age. The process is being handled by a special technical committee set up to carefully assess the candidates.

For this year, three main locations have been chosen for the screening: Lagos, Owerri, and Abuja. Each centre will host candidates assigned based on where they registered for their UTME or their proximity to the location. In total, over 500 young students will be participating — 397 in Lagos, 136 in Owerri, and 66 in Abuja.

As someone who has seen how competitive the admission process can be, I understand the importance of giving every candidate a fair chance, especially those who stand out for their abilities and determination. This screening will help ensure that admission is based on merit and readiness, not just exam scores.

For parents and guardians, this announcement is a call to start preparing the necessary documents and ensuring that their children are ready, both academically and emotionally, for the exercise. For the candidates, it is an opportunity to showcase their strengths and prove they are ready for the next stage of their education journey.

What is the JAMB 2025/2026 Under-16 Special Screening?

The JAMB 2025/2026 Under-16 Special Screening is a special exercise organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for a selected group of very young candidates who took part in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). These are candidates who are below the age of 16 but have shown outstanding academic performance and readiness for admission into higher institutions.

This screening is not for all underage candidates. In 2025, more than 41,000 candidates who were under 16 years old sat for the UTME, but only about 500 of them were shortlisted for this stage. The reason is simple — JAMB wants to ensure that only the best and most prepared underage students are considered for admission

The JAMB Under-16 Special Screening is not for every candidate who wrote the UTME while below the age of 16. Instead, it is meant for a small group of exceptional students who have proven they are ready for higher education despite their young age. Eligibility is based on strict selection criteria set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to make sure only the best and most prepared candidates are chosen.

1. Academic Performance
The first and most important requirement is outstanding performance in the 2025 UTME. Out of over 41,000 underage candidates who sat for the exam, only about 500 candidates scored high enough and met other standards to be shortlisted.

2. Readiness for Tertiary Education
JAMB looks beyond scores. They want to know if the candidate can handle the academic, emotional, and social demands of university or polytechnic life at such a young age. This is why the screening is done by a special technical committee to carefully evaluate each person.

3. Official Invitation by JAMB
Eligibility is also determined by receiving an official message from JAMB. Without this invitation, a candidate cannot attend the screening.

For 2025, the shortlisted candidates have been divided into three centres for convenience:

Lagos: 397 candidates

Owerri: 136 candidates

Abuja: 66 candidates

From my own observation over the years, being selected for this screening is a sign of both achievement and responsibility. It means the candidate has not only passed their exams but has done so in a way that stands out

Where Will the Screening Take Place? (Centres & Locations)

The three centres are located in Lagos, Owerri, and Abuja. Each location will host a specific number of candidates based on the official list from JAMB:

• Lagos: 397 candidates
• Owerri: 136 candidates
• Abuja: 66 candidates

Below are the designated venues and their addresses:

1. Lagos Centre – Often chosen for candidates from the South-West region and nearby states. The venue will be equipped with all necessary facilities to conduct the screening smoothly.
   Address: JAMB Zonal Office, Ikoyi, Lagos State.
2. Owerri Centre – Selected for candidates from the South-East and some South-South states. This centre provides easier access for those who would otherwise need to travel a long distance.
   Address: JAMB State Office, Along Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, Imo State.
3. Abuja Centre – This is ideal for candidates from the North-Central and neighbouring states. It is located close to JAMB’s headquarters, ensuring smooth coordination.
   Address: JAMB National Headquarters, Bwari, Abuja FCT

What is the Screening Dates and Timeline

The JAMB 2025/2026 Under-16 Special Screening will officially run from Monday, September 22, 2025 to Friday, September 26, 2025. This five-day period has been set aside to ensure that all shortlisted candidates have enough time to complete the process without overcrowding at the centres.

Each candidate will be assigned a specific date and there time based on your centre. While the exact time slots may vary, most screenings in the past have been organised in morning and afternoon sessions to make the process smooth.

From my own experience attending a screening event (though not this one), arriving at the venue at least an hour before your scheduled time can make a big difference. It allows you to settle down, organise your documents, and feel more relaxed before the process begins.

In short, candidates should note:

• Start Date: September 22, 2025
• End Date: September 26, 2025
• Sessions: Likely split into morning and afternoon groups to avoid delays

How to Prepare for the JAMB Under-16 Special Screening

UTME Result Slip – This confirms your exam performance.

A Valid Means of Identification – This could be a school ID card or any other official ID approved by JAMB.

Screening Invitation Letter – This is proof that you were shortlisted for the special screening.

Recent Passport Photographs – In case they are needed for verification