Written by Leadership News
The recent policy declaration by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, at the 2024 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) policy meeting in Abuja has ignited a significant, albeit subdued, debate. The minister announced that henceforth, prospective applicants for tertiary admissions must be at least 18 years old. Mamman firmly asserted that this decision is a government policy and dismissed any planned resistance.
Attendees of the meeting suggested that this change in age limit for tertiary admissions has been a contentious issue, poised to impact the nation significantly.
Playing Safe
Despite the uproar caused by the new age requirement, some online platforms have reported that the education minister may have reversed his position. However, without an official statement from the Federal Ministry of Education, it appears the policy requiring applicants to be 18 years old still stands. This policy reflects what some see as an overreach of authority in a democratic system that has not sufficiently engaged the public in its decision-making.
Historically, the age limit for admissions into universities and other tertiary institutions has been set at 16. The emergence of private universities and other institutions has led to some students below this age being admitted. JAMB, under previous leadership, had advised the government on managing tertiary admissions but appears to have shifted its role under Professor Ishaq Oloyede’s tenure.
Uncertain Rhythm
Critics argue that the new policy unfairly penalizes younger students who have successfully passed their JAMB exams but are now denied admission due to their age. They question why UTME results expire annually and are not valid for a longer period, suggesting that the policy serves more to generate revenue than to support educational advancement.
The introduction of an 18-year age limit has sparked concerns that it may be an attempt by political elites, who often send their children abroad for education, to hinder the prospects of Nigerian youths who cannot afford such opportunities. Critics fear that the policy could lead to widespread protests and further exacerbate the already strained educational system.
There is also skepticism about the government's commitment to skill acquisition programs for those who have not yet reached the age of 18, questioning the effectiveness of such initiatives compared to educational opportunities.
Given these concerns, many believe that the policy could provoke significant backlash from young Nigerians eager to pursue higher education. The debate highlights the tension between regulatory measures and the aspirations of a growing youth demographic in Nigeria.
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