Minister Lowers Admission Age to 16 Amid Pressure for 2024
Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has retracted the 18-year age requirement for tertiary institution admissions.
During a policy meeting organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja, Mamman initially declared that only applicants aged 18 and above would be eligible for admission, sparking widespread controversy among stakeholders in tertiary institutions.
The announcement caused immediate uproar, with attendees vocally opposing the decision. In an attempt to regain control, Mamman asked, “Are we together?” to which the audience responded with a resounding “No!”
Order was eventually restored through the intervention of JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede. Responding to the discontent, Mamman argued that the law mandates students to be in school until age 18, following six years in primary school, three years in Junior Secondary School, and three years in Senior Secondary School.
Mamman emphasized that the meeting aimed to ensure a fair admissions process for the 2024 academic year. He reiterated that the Federal Ministry of Education’s stance remains that any institution admitting students outside the Central Application Process (CAP) is not following proper procedures.
One anonymous participant questioned the feasibility of the age requirement, stating, “How can a child finish school, write WAEC and JAMB, pass, and still be denied admission?”
Ultimately, the minister conceded to stakeholders’ suggestions, agreeing that students aged 16 and above would be eligible for this year’s admissions, with the 18-year requirement to be enforced starting next year.
