Minister of Education reverses decision on admission age, now accepts 16 years for 2024 intake amid stakeholder pressure at JAMB meeting.
In a surprising turn of events, Minister of Education Prof Tahir Mamman has reversed course on the controversial age requirement for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. Initially advocating for a minimum age of 18 years, Mamman faced vehement opposition from stakeholders during a policy meeting convened by the Joint Admissions Matriculations Board (JAMB) in Abuja. The announcement led to a chaotic scene as attendees voiced their discontent, prompting Mamman to seek consensus unsuccessfully. JAMB Registrar Prof Ishaq Oloyede intervened to restore order amidst the uproar.
Acknowledging the widespread backlash, Mamman conceded to stakeholders' demands, agreeing to lower the admission age requirement to 16 years for the upcoming 2024 admissions cycle. He emphasized adherence to educational laws mandating minimum schooling periods, highlighting the importance of following the Central Application Process (CAP) to ensure fairness in admissions. While some participants expressed relief at the minister's compromise, others voiced ongoing concerns about the practical implications and fairness of the decision.
