FG Directs JAMB, Tertiary Institutions Not to Admit Candidates Below 18 Years

;

The Federal Government directed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB to admit only candidates who are at least 18 years old into tertiary institutions. Universities have been warned against recommending unqualified children for admission.

Also See: No More Aptitude Test for Direct Entry Candidates - JAMB

Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, made these statements during the 2024 Policy Meeting on Admissions to tertiary institutions in Nigeria. He highlighted that enrolling underage candidates is harming both universities and the education system. The policy meeting aims to establish the guidelines for the 2024/2025 academic session, impacting millions of candidates seeking higher education in Nigeria. This assembly includes heads of tertiary institutions, regulatory bodies, and other strategic partners in the education sector.

Prof. Mamman emphasized that while the senate or respective academic boards initiate the admission process, JAMB has the legal mandate to regulate admissions to ensure fairness and equity. He noted that during the 2024 UTME, he observed a significant number of underage candidates, prompting the need to enforce existing educational policies requiring 12 years of schooling before entering tertiary education. This ensures candidates are at least 18 years old upon admission.

The minister also addressed the surge in requests to alter ages on records to meet the new requirement, cautioning against such practices. Despite protests from event participants, Prof. Mamman reaffirmed the government's stance, stating that this policy aims to address major issues in the tertiary education system.

He reiterated that admission criteria remain as previously approved and that institutions must adhere to them along with guidelines from regulatory bodies like the NUC, NBTE, and NCCE. Prof. Mamman emphasized the importance of transparency, fairness, and the use of technology, such as the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), in the admission process. He warned that any admissions made outside CAPS would be severely sanctioned.

The minister highlighted the positive impact of requiring the National Identification Number (NIN) for JAMB registration, which has helped eliminate dishonest practices. He also underscored the importance of ensuring the admission process is fair and objective, preventing deserving candidates from being denied opportunities.

Prof. Mamman discussed the National Matriculation List's role in verifying genuine students and preventing the use of forged certificates. He also mentioned the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides interest-free loans to properly admitted students, emphasizing the need for compliance with existing guidelines.

On inclusive education, he noted efforts to improve access for Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD), including waiving application fees during the 2024 registration exercise. He commended JAMB for its transparency, integrity, and efficiency, urging all stakeholders to ensure the admission process is reliable, equitable, and inclusive for all students.