National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Federal Government has mandated that candidates under 18 years old should not be admitted to universities and other tertiary institutions.
This directive was issued by the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, during the 2024 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja on Thursday.
The announcement sparked mixed reactions among vice-chancellors, rectors, and registrars who were present at the meeting. Despite the differing opinions, Minister Mamman emphasized the importance of the 18-year minimum age benchmark, aligning it with the 6-3-3-4 system of education.
He expressed concerns about the growing trend of parents pushing their underage children into higher education prematurely.
Minister Mamman highlighted that the decision is not only in the best interest of the students but also aims to uphold the integrity of the educational system.
He noted that allowing younger students into tertiary institutions could place undue pressure on them and potentially hinder their overall development.
To address the needs of students who may not immediately qualify for tertiary education, Professor Mamman revealed that the Ministry of Education is introducing skill acquisition programs starting from primary school.
This initiative aims to equip young learners with practical skills that can enhance their future educational and career prospects, ensuring they are better prepared when they reach the appropriate age for university admission.
The directive reflects a broader effort by the Federal Government to improve the quality of education and ensure that students are adequately prepared for the challenges of higher learning.
By setting an age limit, the government hopes to standardize the educational journey, ensuring that students progress through each stage of their education at an appropriate pace.
While the new policy may face resistance from some quarters, the Ministry of Education remains committed to its implementation, believing it will ultimately benefit the students and the nation’s educational system.
ÀThe government urges parents, educators, and institutions to support this initiative and contribute to a more structured and effective educational framework.
In summary, the Federal Government’s directive to enforce an 18-year minimum age for university and tertiary institution admissions marks a significant step towards enhancing the educational landscape in Nigeria.
Through this policy, the government aims to protect the well-being of students and maintain high educational standards, ensuring that young learners are properly equipped for the demands of higher education.
