The Federal Government has recently mandated that individuals under the age of 18 should not be admitted to tertiary institutions. This significant directive was announced by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during a monitoring session of the ongoing 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory.
Prof. Mamman highlighted the undue pressure that some parents place on their underage children to secure admission into higher education institutions. This new measure aims to align with the structured 6-3-3-4 educational system, which sets the university entry age at 18.
Table of Contents[Show]
- Why 18 Years? Understanding the New Admission Benchmark
- Expanding Opportunities Beyond University Walls
- Support for the New Age Requirement and Examination Standards
Why 18 Years? Understanding the New Admission Benchmark
According to Prof. Mamman, the 18-year benchmark is crucial because it ensures that students are mature enough to handle the transition from a controlled school environment to the more autonomous university life. “We have observed students as young as 15 and 16 attempting to enter university,” he remarked. He stressed that parents should avoid pushing their children into situations they are not yet ready to handle.
“This transition is when young people move from controlled to uncontrolled environments, taking charge of their own affairs,” Prof. Mamman explained. “If they are too young, they might not manage their new freedoms and responsibilities effectively.”
Expanding Opportunities Beyond University Walls
Recognising that only 20% of students can be admitted into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, the minister underscored the importance of vocational skills acquisition. He stated that the education ministry is proactively incorporating skills training from as early as primary school to ensure that students have valuable skills for life outside of traditional academic paths.
“Skill acquisition is essential for those who may not proceed to tertiary institutions,” Prof. Mamman said. “Every student should have the opportunity to lead a meaningful life after completing their primary and secondary education, and skills training is the key to achieving this.”
Support for the New Age Requirement and Examination Standards
Dr Fabian Benjamin, the spokesperson for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), supported the minister’s statements, affirming that the age requirement is consistent with the national educational framework. Meanwhile, Dr Yusuf Sununu, Minister of State for Education, who also attended the monitoring of the UTME, praised the introduction of online examinations. This technological shift has notably reduced incidences of examination malpractice.
“Online examinations and the Computer Based Test (CBT) have significantly lowered the chances of malpractice, maintaining a high standard for the assessment,” Dr Sununu commented, applauding the board’s efforts to uphold integrity in the examination process.
This new policy on age limits for university admission is part of a broader strategy to enhance the educational landscape in Nigeria. It not only aims to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the challenges of higher education but also to foster a system where every individual has the opportunity to develop useful skills for a fulfilling career.
