The Senate has confirmed that the existing 16-year minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria will remain in force. This statement comes amid discussions that suggested a potential increase of the age limit to 18 years. However, any adjustments to this regulation would require formal legislative action.
In a recent briefing, Adeyemi Adaramodu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, clarified that the comments regarding an age increase were merely personal opinions and not indicative of an immediate policy change. He emphasized that legislative processes must be followed for any modifications to become official.
The topic gained traction after the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, observed during his oversight of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Abuja that a significant number of candidates were below the age of 18. He expressed concerns over their maturity and readiness for university life, suggesting a review might be necessary to ensure students are adequately prepared for the challenges of higher education.
Despite this, the Senate has made it clear that no changes to the age requirement will be enacted without thorough consultation with all stakeholders in the education sector. Adaramodu reiterated the Senate's commitment to a comprehensive review process involving parents, teachers, civil society, and possibly international experts before any legislative action is taken.
Moreover, the Senate spokesperson dispelled rumors that the Minister of Education had directed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to withhold the results of applicants younger than 18 years. He confirmed that all students who participated in the UTME under the current regulations would have their results processed as usual.
As discussions continue, the Senate assures the public that any future proposals to alter the age requirements for university admissions will undergo the full legislative process, ensuring transparency and public participation.
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