News
Varsity Admission: JAMB Sets Benchmark For Under-16 Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board says candidates under the age of 16 can be considered for admission into tertiary institutions if they demonstrate that they are academically exceptional by scoring 80 per cent and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Given that the total score in the UTME is 400 marks, 80 represents a minimum score of 320.
This development follows the recent reversal of the mandatory 18-year admission age benchmark introduced by the former Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman.
The current education minister, Olatunji Alausa, reinstated the previous benchmark of 16 years, a move widely supported by stakeholders in the education sector.
READ ALSO: JAMB Postpones 2025 UTME Registration
Speaking during a recent meeting with key stakeholders—including Chief External Examiners, Chief Technical Advisors, and members of the Equal Opportunity Group—JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, stated that while the 16-year age requirement remains the standard, exceptional candidates under the age of 16 may be granted admission under strict conditions.
A transcript of the meeting, published in JAMB’s bulletin quoted quoted Oloyede as saying: “This is about complying with the law. Age plays a crucial role in maturity and academic development. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have age limits for leadership positions such as local government chairman. Biological age is linked to intellectual growth, and while rules exist, there must be room for exceptions.
“The Minister of Education has clearly stated that the minimum age for admission remains 16. However, we acknowledge that some gifted children exist. These individuals should not be overlooked. We must identify them and allow them to sit for the exams.”
READ ALSO: 2025 UTME/DE Registration Yet To Begin, Says JAMB
Oloyede emphasised that exceptional students must demonstrate outstanding academic ability across multiple assessments, including the UTME, WASSCE, Post-UTME, and GCE O/Level.
“If a candidate under 16 scores 200 out of 400 in the UTME, can they truly be considered exceptional? However, if they achieve 80% (320/400), that signals exceptional ability and warrants consideration,” he added.
He, however, expressed concerns over the role of private universities in admitting underage students, stating that many of these candidates struggle academically, with up to 80 per cenr eventually being transferred to other programmes due to poor performance.
Oloyede also condemned the manipulation of birth records by parents seeking early admission for their wards, only to later attempt to alter their ages for eligibility in the National Youth Service Corps programme.
READ ALSO: Delta: Court Stops JAMB From Restricting Underage Students
Recently in Lagos, the JAMB Registrar disclosed that the exam body had introduced a mock UTME for underage candidates.
Oloyede explained that the mock UTME is not for the purpose of tertiary institution admission but for underage seeking to test their ability.
“We are starting the sale of forms on the 31st of January till 5th of March. There will be a mock exam on the 23rd of February and on the 8th of March there will be UTME,” the JAMB Registrar said.
News
Tenebe Threatens To Suspend Edo Commissioner Who Fails To Wear Asiwaju’s Cap

Chairman of the All progressives Congress in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has said that any Commissioner sent out of the State Executive Council meeting for not wearing Tinubu’s signature cap would be suspended from the party.
Recall that Governor Monday Okpebholo had, during the Inauguration of the last batch of Commissioners, to wear the cap whenever they attend Exco meeting.
Tenebe in a television interview and monitored by our reporter said it was an act of indiscipline and insubordination for any Commissioner not to obey Okpebholo’s directive.
He said any impediment for Edo APC not to achieve 3.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027 would not be tolerated.
READ ALSO:Tenebe Fingers Edo APC Chieftains As Plot To Replace Him As Chair Thickens
He said, “If you refuse to wear the cap as the governor has directed, we will suspend you. That is indiscipline and insubordination.
“We are doing it because we have made a promise that 3.5 million votes are guaranteed. Everybody has keyed into realising the 3.5 million votes.
“If, as a member of the APC, you got an appointment, you are supposed to be loyal to the President.
“We are expressing our loyalty to the President by wearing the cap. Those complaining are not members of the APC. We, in Edo, have made it clear. No Asiwaju cap, no Exco.”
News
Police Alert Public On Anonymous Bomb Threats In Edo

The Edo State Police Command has alerted corporate organisations and members of the public to a wave of anonymous bomb threats being used by unidentified fraudsters to extort money.
The warning was contained in a public advisory issued on Monday by the Assistant Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem.
She said the command is investigating what it described as clear attempts to extort through fear and intimidation.
“The Edo State Police Command has observed a disturbing crime trend involving anonymous callers threatening individuals, business owners, and corporate organisations in Edo State, claiming that explosive devices have been planted within their premises.
READ ALSO:Edo State Government Pays Last Respect To Late NSCDC Commandant
“The callers then demand money, threatening to detonate the alleged explosives if their demands are not met. These acts are clear attempts at extortion through fear and intimidation, and the Command is actively investigating reported cases,” Ikoedem said.
In light of the development, the command urged members of the public to remain calm.
She added, “Do not panic or give in to any financial demands from such callers. The Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit is fully capable of detecting and neutralising explosives.
“Report all such calls or messages immediately to the nearest police station or to the Command’s Control Room via 08077773721 or 08037646272.
READ ALSO:Tenebe Fingers Edo APC Chieftains As Plot To Replace Him As Chair Thickens
“Avoid spreading unverified information or causing unnecessary panic.
“Stay vigilant and report any suspicious persons, objects, or movements in your surroundings.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the deployment of specialised units, including the EOD team, Intelligence Bureau, and Tactical Squads, to respond swiftly to any reported threats and safeguard the public.
The Command also confirmed it is working closely with telecommunication providers and other security agencies to trace and apprehend the perpetrators.
News
Edo State Government Pays Last Respect To Late NSCDC Commandant

The Deputy Governor of Edo State on Monday led the state’s government delegation to pay last respect to the late Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Edo StaSte Command, Agun Joseph
The delegation comprised of all the security heads in the state, associates, politicians, as well other security.
The event which took place in Festival Hall in Benin, the deputy governor of the state described the late commandant as a man who impacted positively in the lives of the people.
Idahosa said Joseph will surely be missed, not only by his colleagues, but hundreds of others who came in contact with him.
READ ALSO:CSOs, Academia, Impacted Communities Launch Climate Justice Campaign In Edo
“Joseph was a man of man of exemplary leadership, a team player, and a thorough bred officer who shared intelligence with sister agencies during his service years.
“As a state and people, we appreciate the commandant for being an astute officer who displayed quality leadership, exemplified courage, fairness, and justice in matters of security and governance.”
“Through his leadership at the NSCDC in the state, he exemplified courage, integrity, and professionalism of the highest order.
“He was a man guided by fairness, justice, and a deep sense of responsibility and excellence, always adhering to global best practices in matters of security and governance.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: NSCDC Commandant, Slumps, Dies In Edo
“Today, we gather with heavy hearts to pay our last respects to a remarkable officer, a dedicated public servant, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
“A man whose life was dedicated to serving our dear state and nation with distinction and honour,” he stated.
On behalf of the Edo State Government, Idahosa extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues.
Addressing the daughter, and brother of the deceased who were physically present at the valedictory session, Idahosa said, “We share in your grief and pray that God grants you the strength to bear this painful loss.”
READ ALSO:NSCDC Mining Marshals Smash Illegal Mineral Storage Network In Rivers
“Though Commandant Agun has departed this world, His legacy endures — in the countless lives he touched, in the officers he trained, and in the peace and stability he worked so hard to uphold.
“As we bid him farewell, let us honour his memory by rededicating ourselves to the ideals he stood for — integrity, diligence, and selfless service to humanity,” he stated.
Heads of security agencies present at the event were that from the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Airforce, Nigerian Immigration, Nigerian Correctional Service, NDLEA, and the FRSC.
It would recalled that until his death, Agun, 57, was the commandant of the state command of the NSCDC.
News4 days agoBREAKING: Tinubu swears In New INEC Chairman, Amupitan
News4 days agoNnamdi Kanu: Court Summons Wike, Buratai, T. Y Danjuma, Uzodinma, Others As Witnesses
News3 days agoJUST IN: Tinubu Sacks CDS Musa, Names New Army Boss
Headline5 days agoOne Dies As Woman Trying To Kill Cockroach Sets House On Fire
Headline5 days agoObama Honours Fela Kuti In New Podcast ‘Fear No Man’
Metro5 days agoJUST IN: Police Arrest Sowore
Metro4 days agoPolice Arrest Murder Suspect, Recover Corpse In Delta
Metro2 days agoLagos: Festac DPO, Matilda Ngbaronye Is Dead
Metro4 days agoMan Stabs Friend To Death Over Woman In Ilorin
Headline4 days agoUK Is A Home, Not Hotel, Kemi Badenoch Tells Immigrants, Starmer’s Govt














