The federal government, on Thursday, directed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to admit only candidates who are 18 years or older into tertiary institutions.

In line with this directive, the government has cautioned universities against recommending underage students for admission.

Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, conveyed this message during the 2024 Policy Meeting on Admissions to tertiary institutions in Nigeria. He highlighted that enrolling underage candidates harms not only the universities but the entire education system.

The policy meeting aims to establish the guidelines for admission into tertiary institutions for the 2024/2025 academic session, impacting millions of candidates seeking higher education in Nigeria.

This significant educational policy assembly includes heads of tertiary institutions (vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts), regulatory bodies (National Universities Commission, National Board for Technical Education, National Commission for Colleges of Education), and other key stakeholders in Nigeria's tertiary education sector.

While acknowledging that the senate or academic boards of institutions initiate the admission process, the minister emphasized that JAMB is legally mandated to regulate admissions to ensure fairness and equity.

He stated, “During my monitoring of the 2024 UTME, I was alarmed by the large number of obviously underage candidates participating. This prompted my comments on enforcing educational policies requiring 9 years of Basic Education and 3 years of Senior Secondary Education before entry into tertiary institutions. A child enrolled in basic school at age 6 and completing 12 years of education would be around 18 years old when entering a tertiary institution.

“Further information revealed that underage enrolments are damaging our universities and education system, necessitating enforcement of existing rules.

“I also learned about the surge in age-change requests, reflecting attempts to circumvent the age policy. Hence, JAMB is instructed to admit only students aged 18 and above. Universities should avoid recommending underage candidates for admission.”

Prof. Mamman's reiteration that candidates below 18 contribute to crises in universities sparked protests from participants at the event.

Despite the protests, the minister stood firm, explaining that the age policy is a federal government directive aimed at addressing significant issues in tertiary institutions, especially universities.

He reiterated that the admissions criteria remain unchanged from previous years and must be strictly followed by all institutions, adhering to guidelines from regulatory bodies such as NUC, NBTE, and NCCE.

“I am aware of the processes leading to JAMB's introduction of various initiatives to improve admissions. I urge all to familiarize themselves with these processes to enhance transparency, fairness, and accuracy for which JAMB is renowned,” he said.

Prof. Mamman also highlighted the role of technology, specifically the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), in ensuring compliance with agreed procedures.

“Since 2018, JAMB's innovative CAPS technology has eliminated administrative bottlenecks and human interference. JAMB provides specific advisories to guide the process, allowing flexibility to address unique institutional features within the guidelines.”

He noted that the mandatory National Identification Number (NIN) for JAMB registration has effectively curbed dishonest practices and multiple registrations.

“The Ministry will continue to support JAMB in maintaining standards and best practices,” he said.

Concluding the meeting, the minister urged participants to ensure the admissions process remains transparent, fair, and objective to avoid denying deserving candidates educational opportunities.

He stressed the importance of the National Matriculation List, urging institutions to process admissions through CAPS and ensure students' acceptance of offers.

“This list is crucial for detecting and preventing the use of counterfeit and forged certificates, ensuring that only genuine students are mobilized for NYSC,” he said.