JAMB and Institutions Now Allowed to Admit Candidates from 16 Years

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has received new directives regarding the admission age for candidates. In a recent turn of events, the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, has granted approval for candidates from the age of 16 to be admitted into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The Initial Directive and Its Reversal

During the 2024 admission policy meeting held in Abuja, Minister Tahir Mamman initially directed that only candidates aged 18 and above should be admitted. This directive was based on Nigeria’s educational policy, which requires students to follow a 6-3-3-4 system: six years in primary school, three years in junior secondary, and three years in senior secondary school.

Stakeholders’ Reactions

The minister’s announcement drew significant reactions from the audience, which included university vice-chancellors, registrars, rectors of polytechnics, and other key stakeholders in the education sector. Many heads of tertiary institutions expressed their objections, arguing that numerous candidates who are 16 years old have already taken the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) without anticipating this age restriction.

The Decision to Allow 16-Year-Old Candidates

Following heated discussions and pleas from the stakeholders, the minister reconsidered the initial directive. The representative from Elizade University moved the motion to adopt 16 years as the minimum age for admission. The JAMB Registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, clarified that the directive was not a new policy but a restatement of existing laws.

However, after considering practical reasons and the objections raised, Minister Mamman agreed to allow candidates from the age of 16 to be admitted. This decision was met with applause and approval from the attendees.

Conclusion

The policy meeting concluded with the approval to admit candidates starting from 16 years old, providing relief to many students and institutions. 

This decision ensures that the educational aspirations of younger candidates are accommodated, reflecting a flexible approach to Nigeria’s educational policies.