The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has cleared the results of 85 underage candidates who scaled through its screening process for exceptional admission.

This was contained in a statement by the Board’s spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, on Monday in Abuja.

According to the statement, after due verification, interviews and screening, 85 candidates were found to have met the criteria and have consequently been cleared for admission.

Benjamin said 85 candidates who are judged to be qualified have been notified to proceed to their respective institutions to complete the admission process and print their individual JAMB admission letters.

The Board’s mouthpiece maintained that the policy of exceptional admission is consistent with global best practices, where such cases are treated as rare exceptions rather than the norm.

”It is to be noted that in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), of the 2,031,133 applicants, a total of 41,027 candidates sought consideration under this special category, of which 599 scored the 80% threshold in the UTME.

”These 599 candidates were subjected to further scrutiny of school certificate and PUTME screening, which led to the emergence of 182 candidates (178+4).

”After due verification, interviews, and screening, 85 candidates were found to have met the criteria and have consequently been cleared for admission,” the statement read.

The tertiary institution exam body also urged candidates who missed the screening to contact it for further adivice.

“Any of the 182 finalist-candidates who missed the final interview for a valid reason are advised to submit a formal request through the JAMB Support Ticketing System under the newly created category titled “2025 Underage Complaint.”

”Such complaints will be reviewed individually, and decisions will be made strictly on their own merit. This window is for only the 182 finalists who might for one reason or another, have missed the final interview.

“In addition, candidates who scored 320 and above in UTME but failed to upload O-Level results and were subsequently disqualified from proceeding are now given a chance to upload within two (2) days (i.e. not later than Wednesday, 29th October, 2025) and notify the Board of such through the ticketing,” it added.

The National Examinations Council has launched a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, as part of a wider move to make its services accessible to Nigerians living in the diaspora.

The centre was unveiled during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, where NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Wushishi.

According to a Sunday statement signed by Azeez Sani, NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Wushishi described the development as a landmark step in expanding Nigeria’s educational reach beyond.

Speaking during the event, Wushishi expressed that the new centre was created in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd to give Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK an opportunity to complete their secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.

“The initiative aims to provide opportunities for Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who, for various reasons, have been unable to complete secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.

“Our objective is to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians residing abroad in line with the Federal Government’s education policy on inclusivity and global engagement,” Wushishi said.

He explained that the new Senior School Certificate Examination centre would serve as a bridge for Nigerians abroad to stay connected to their country’s educational system while promoting national identity and global recognition of NECO certificates.

Wushishi stated that the Council now conducts examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, while plans are underway to open additional centres in Egypt and Burkina Faso.

He added that NECO certificates are already recognised by universities such as Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University in the UK, as well as by institutions in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, praised NECO for taking what he called a “bold and inclusive step” to ensure that no Nigerian child is left behind, whether at home or abroad.

He said the initiative aligns with the Federal Ministry of Education’s efforts to harness the potential of the Nigerian diaspora as a strategic educational resource.

Also speaking, the Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, Dr John Ibanga, said the centre would serve as an alternative route for Nigerian students struggling to fit into the British education system, especially those unable to obtain the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).

“Many Nigerian children encounter barriers in the UK system that limit their progression. This new NECO SSCE Centre provides a recognised alternative for both young learners and adults seeking academic or vocational advancement,” he said.

During a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, Prof. Wushishi briefed officials on the centre’s establishment and accreditation process. He emphasised that the United Kingdom remains a key location for expanding educational access to Nigerians abroad.

Responding, the Head of Political Affairs at the Nigerian High Commission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, commended NECO for what he described as a “timely and commendable effort” that reflects Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive education and diaspora engagement.

“The Mission will collaborate with NECO to advance Nigeria’s educational and developmental objectives in the United Kingdom,” Abu-Obe said.

The new London centre is expected to begin full operations soon, offering Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK an opportunity to obtain a qualification recognised both locally and internationally.

The management of Taraba State University has ordered the immediate suspension of all student associations, unions, clubs, and societies within the institution, citing rising cases of indiscipline and defiance among some student groups.

In a circular issued on Friday and signed by the Registrar, Dr Joseph U. Bibinu, the university expressed concern that the behaviour of certain associations had undermined peace, order, and academic integrity on campus.

“The University Management hereby orders the immediate suspension of all student associations, unions, clubs, and societies operating within the University. This suspension takes immediate effect and shall remain in force until further notice,” the statement read.

The directive prohibits any student group or individual from holding meetings, organising events, issuing statements, or conducting any activity under the name of a student association, either within or outside the campus.

The university further warned that any breach of the directive would be regarded as gross misconduct and would attract strict disciplinary action in line with existing regulations.

Dr Bibinu added that the institution would soon unveil a new framework for responsible student representation aimed at ensuring discipline, order, and effective engagement between management and the student body.