Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, has mandated the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and all universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to admit only candidates who are 18 years old and above.
The directive was issued on Thursday during the 2024 Policy Meeting on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions in Abuja. The meeting gathered critical stakeholders, including university vice-chancellors, polytechnic rectors, college of education provosts, registrars of colleges of education, and officials from JAMB.
Addressing the audience, Mamman stated that the decision was based on existing laws governing admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
“JAMB is hereby instructed from admission this year to admit only eligible students, those who have attained 18 years by our laws.”
The announcement sparked immediate protest from attendees; objections were voiced loudly within the auditorium of the Body of Benchers in Abuja. Despite the disagreements, Mamman stood firm on his decision, saying it was an established federal government policy.
“Our laws require students to be in school from six years – yes, there are those who do that from five – and remain in primary school for six years, basic education for three years, and secondary school for three years. (This) doesn’t require a statement from the minister. We are only restating what is in the law,” Mamman explained.
The directive is expected to influence future admissions procedures and educational outcomes nationwide.
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