--- title: "6 Things Underage Students Can Do While Waiting for University Admission" url: https://examloaded.com/6-things-underage-students-can-do-while-waiting-for-university-admission/ date: 2026-09-19 modified: 2026-09-19 lang: en author: "Rabiu Francis" description: "6 Things Underage Students Can Do While Waiting for University Admission: With the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) reinforcing the 16-year age requirement for university admission, many underage students..." categories: - "2027 JAMB Preparation Insights: Subject Combinations | Syllabus | CBT Centres" tags: - "JAMB Preparation 2027" image: https://examloaded.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/6-Things-Underage-Students-Can-Do-While-Waiting-for-University-Admission.webp word_count: 576 --- # 6 Things Underage Students Can Do While Waiting for University Admission 6 Things Underage Students Can Do While Waiting for University Admission: With the **[Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) reinforcing the 16-year age requirement for university admission](/jamb-age-limit-in-nigeria/)**, many underage students who have successfully passed the **[Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)](/unified-tertiary-matriculation-examination-utme/)** are left in a **waiting period** before they can secure a spot in tertiary institutions. [![6 Things Underage Students Can Do While Waiting for University Admission](https://examloaded.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/6-Things-Underage-Students-Can-Do-While-Waiting-for-University-Admission-300x178.webp)](https://examloaded.com/6-things-underage-students-can-do-while-waiting-for-university-admission/6-things-underage-students-can-do-while-waiting-for-university-admission/)6 Things Underage Students Can Do While Waiting for University Admission Speaking during an inspection of the **[2027 UTME registration process](/jamb-questions-and-answers/)** in Lagos, Former JAMB **Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede**, disclosed that **11,512 out of the 780,202 registered candidates** were underage. While [JAMB](https://www.jamb.gov.ng/) had initially **made exceptions for exceptionally brilliant students**, Oloyede warned that the privilege is now **being misused**, necessitating **strict enforcement of the age requirement**. For underage students **who cannot yet proceed to university**, here are **six productive activities** they can undertake during the waiting period: ## 1. Enroll in A-Level Programs Underage students can **enroll in a two-year Advanced Level (A-Level) program**, which provides in-depth knowledge in subjects related to their **intended university course**. Programs like the **Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) and JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board)** help students prepare for direct entry into **200-level at Nigerian universities**, giving them an academic edge before formal university admission. ## 2. Take a Tech Course and Earn Certifications With **technology rapidly reshaping industries**, students can **take online courses** in programming, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or digital marketing. Many global platforms offer **recognized certificates** that can boost their career prospects. Some reputable online learning platforms include: - **ALX** - **Techvinson Academy** - **KemonAI** - **Udemy** - **RITA Africa** - **SheCodes** - **Coursera** - **GreatLearning** Acquiring **tech skills** can also help students **secure remote jobs, internships, or freelance work**, providing **financial independence** while waiting for admission. ## 3. Acquire Vocational Skills Enrolling in **vocational training** can be beneficial for **self-development and financial stability**. Underage students can learn **practical skills** such as: - **Barbing** - **Hairdressing** - **Tailoring/Fashion Design** - **Graphic Design & Digital Art** - **Computer Literacy & Coding** - **Photography & Video Editing** With these **hands-on skills**, students can **start small businesses**, **support their families**, and develop an **entrepreneurial mindset** before starting university. ## 4. Register for Professional Certification Courses For students interested in **specialized careers**, they can **register for professional courses** related to their field of interest. For example: - **Aspiring accountants** can begin **ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) professional exams**. - **Future nurses** can enroll in **Auxiliary Nursing programs** to gain practical healthcare experience. - **Engineering students** can obtain **basic certifications in AutoCAD, Electrical Design, or Computer-Aided Manufacturing**. Starting **professional training early** gives students a **competitive advantage** when they finally enroll in university. Read: [JAMB Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 for All Subjects](/jamb-areas-of-concentration-for-all-subjects/) ## 5. Enroll in Pre-Degree Programs Some universities offer **pre-degree programs**, which allow students to **undergo structured academic training before gaining full admission**. These programs help students: - Improve their **academic performance and research skills**. - Adapt to **university-style learning and expectations**. - **Secure direct admission** after successful completion. Students interested in **pre-degree programs** should check **their preferred universities** for available opportunities. ## 6. Attend JAMB Tutorial Centers for Intensive Preparation Since **JAMB scores play a crucial role in admission success**, underage students can use the waiting period to: - **Attend JAMB tutorial centers** for intensive coaching. - **Master time management and CBT exam techniques**. - **Retake JAMB in subsequent years to improve their scores**. This focused preparation will **increase their chances of gaining admission into competitive courses** when they reach the eligible age. Also Check: [JAMB Cut-Off Mark for All Science Courses 2027/2028](/jamb-cut-off-mark-for-all-science-courses/) ## Final Thoughts Instead of **wasting valuable time** while waiting to **meet the JAMB age requirement**, students should **take advantage of various learning opportunities**. Whether through **academic programs, vocational training, tech certifications, or professional courses**, **each of these options** adds value to their future and **strengthens their foundation for success** in higher education. By **choosing a productive path**, underage students can **gain valuable experience, develop new skills, and prepare themselves for a brighter academic and career future** once they become eligible for university admission.