Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has explained why the federal government is banning under-18 admissions into tertiary institutions.
Speaking at the 2024 Policy Meeting on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja on Thursday,18th July 2024.
Mamman highlighted the need to establish clear guidelines for the 2024 academic session admissions.
The minister directed JAMB to ensure that only candidates who have attained the age of 18 years are admitted into tertiary institutions during the 2024 admission process.
Recent findings indicate that the admission of underage candidates is adversely affecting universities and the education system at large, necessitating the enforcement of existing regulations.
He said, ”Information has revealed that the enrolment of underage candidates is inflicting serious damage on the university and the education system, hence, the need for enforcement of extant rules.
“When I was monitoring the just concluded 2024 UTME, I was alarmed at the participation of a large number of obviously under-age candidates in the examination.
“This necessitated my comment on the need to enforce the extant provisions of the educational policies which made provision for nine years of basic education and three years of Senior Secondary Education before entry into tertiary institution.
“It is clear that a child who, as expected is enrolled in basic school at the age of six and having undergone 12 years of education would be around 18 years old when being enrolled in a tertiary institution,” he said.
Mamman expressed concern over the surge in requests for age modifications in anticipation of the impending age policy enforcement, describing it as endangering the futures of young individuals by those entrusted with their care.
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“As a result, JAMB is directed to strictly admit only eligible students, those who have reached 18 years of age,” Mamman emphasized. “Universities are advised against recommending unqualified candidates for admission.”
According to NAN, the meeting was contentious when the minister announced the minimum age requirement of 18 for tertiary admissions.
Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, and other stakeholders expressed dissent over the decision.
Despite the protest, Mamman reaffirmed that the 2024 admission criteria remain unchanged and urged institutions to adhere strictly to the stipulated admission requirements.
He cautioned that any university officials found circumventing the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) for admissions would face sanctions moving forward.
NAN
