According to him, the additional assessments were necessary to determine whether the candidates could cope with the broader demands of tertiary education beyond classroom performance.
He urged the successful candidates to use their abilities for the benefit of society rather than regard their academic achievements solely as a means of gaining early admission or advancing personal interests.
“You are the ones who will change Nigeria and change the world with your innovations,” he said.
Minister Links Young Talents to National Development
The minister also linked the identification and development of exceptional young Nigerians to the country’s long-term economic and social progress.
He described Nigeria’s youthful population as an important national resource that must be adequately educated and supported to translate its potential into meaningful innovations.
Alausa estimated Nigeria’s population at 220 million, with an average age of 18.5 years, and said approximately 70 per cent of the population was below 30.
He added that the Federal Government’s education reforms were intended to expand opportunities for young people and strengthen the country’s capacity to develop their talents in ways that could improve lives.
The minister congratulated the candidates on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the Ministry of Education, expressing optimism that their abilities could lead to breakthroughs with far-reaching benefits for Nigeria and the wider world.
Highest-Scoring Candidates Receive Recognition
The eight recognised candidates comprised the two highest scorers in the 2026 UTME and six other outstanding underage candidates who met the screening requirements.
They received plaques and certificates from the minister in recognition of their academic performance.
Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin emerged as the overall highest scorer in the examination with 372 marks, while Enwere Kingsley Ikenna came second with 370 marks.
The screening outcome highlights the distinction between achieving a high UTME score and meeting the additional requirements for consideration for admission below the minimum age.
Although 108 candidates have qualified for possible admission under the screening process, the outcome does not, by itself, establish that all 108 have secured admission into tertiary institutions.
Their consideration remains subject to the applicable admission requirements and processes.
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