The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced on Thursday a new policy banning the admission of candidates under the age of 18 into tertiary institutions in the country.
This decision was revealed during the 2024 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
“JAMB is hereby notified that there is now a ban on underaged students, those under the age of 18 into our tertiary institutions from this 2024 admissions,” Mamman stated.
He emphasized the need for clear guidelines for the 2024 academic session admissions. “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,” Mamman explained.
“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,” he added.
Prof. Mamman highlighted the importance of adhering to the existing educational policies, which include nine years of basic education and three years of Senior Secondary Education before entry into tertiary institutions. “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.
Despite protests from Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, and other stakeholders, Mamman reaffirmed that the 2024 admission criteria remain unchanged and urged institutions to adhere strictly to the stipulated admission requirements. “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.”
Mamman also warned that any university officials found circumventing the Central Admissions Processing System for admissions would face sanctions moving forward.
