Gombe introduces 18-year age benchmark for 2026 admissions

Gombe State University has announced that candidates seeking admission for the 2026 academic session must be at least 18 years old, with limited exceptions for exceptionally high-performing applicants.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sani-Ahmed Yauta, made the disclosure on Thursday during a press briefing at the university’s Senate Chambers, where he officially flagged off the 2026 admission exercise.

According to him, the institution will strictly enforce the minimum age requirement, though candidates below 18 years may be considered if they score 300 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

“The age limit is 18 years, except in rare cases where candidates under 18 score above 300 points, in which case they may be considered,” Yauta said.

He explained that the policy aligns with admission regulations and is aimed at ensuring academic readiness, while still accommodating outstanding young candidates in exceptional situations.

The Vice Chancellor also disclosed that all admission processes for the 2026 session must be concluded on or before October 31, 2026, in line with the national academic calendar.

Yauta noted that while GSU has the capacity to admit about 7,000 students, demand for some professional programmes continues to far exceed available slots.

He revealed that Medicine and Surgery attracted 2,231 applicants for just 100 spaces, Nursing received 2,363 applications for 100 slots, while Law recorded 1,187 applicants competing for only 50 places.

“These figures reflect the level of competition and the reality that many qualified candidates may not secure admission into their first-choice programmes,” he said.

He advised applicants, especially those with moderate UTME scores, to consider alternative courses where admission chances are higher.

“Candidates should broaden their choices and explore other programmes. Doing so increases their chances of gaining admission and succeeding academically,” he added.

Yauta further assured that the university is working to introduce more relevant and market-driven courses to expand opportunities for prospective students.

He urged applicants not to tie their definition of success to a single programme, stressing that career success depends more on skills, dedication, and adaptability than on specific degrees.

“Whether you study Medicine, Law, Computer Science or any other discipline, what matters most is your commitment and the skills you acquire,” he said.

The university said the new policy and admission guidelines are intended to provide clarity as the 2026 admission exercise begins in earnest.