By Folaranmi Ajayi
As an educator, it’s important to assess this policy shift by JAMB within the broader context of Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system, which advocates six years of primary education, three years of junior secondary, three years of senior secondary, and four years of tertiary education. Ideally, students should progress through this system in alignment with their age, starting primary education at six years old, reaching junior secondary by 12, and completing senior secondary school by around 15 or 16, which fits with JAMB’s age requirements.
In line with this, the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) has adjusted its admission policy, allowing institutions to admit candidates aged 15, provided they will turn 16 by August 2025. This shift, announced in an official letter signed by Muhammed Babaji on behalf of the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, comes in response to the ongoing 2024/2025 academic session, which some institutions expect to continue into mid-2025.
This decision follows the 2024 Policy Meeting’s earlier stance that candidates must be 16 years old by December 31, 2024, to qualify for admission. However, the new amendment offers more flexibility, without imposing on institutions that maintain the 16-year minimum age for admission. Universities and other tertiary institutions can now harvest data from their Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) for students turning 16 by August 31, 2025.
In theory, this policy could be feasible if the education system is effectively implemented. However, in practice, there are significant disparities in Nigeria’s education sector. Students from privileged backgrounds or urban areas often progress faster, while those in rural or under-resourced areas may experience delays, repeating classes due to systemic challenges.
While setting a minimum age of 16 for tertiary education seems reasonable within the structure of the 6-3-3-4 system, it also risks excluding highly intelligent and capable students who may complete their secondary education earlier. Forcing them to stay at home until they meet the age requirement could stifle their intellectual growth and delay their contribution to society.
A more flexible approach, as JAMB has attempted with this extension, could address these concerns. By allowing students who will turn 16 within the academic session to proceed with admissions, the system acknowledges individual academic progress without rigidly enforcing an age limit.
However, consistency is key. Frequent policy changes can disrupt planning for both students and institutions. A clear, long-term strategy that allows for early enrolment while still upholding academic standards would provide a more stable path forward.
Lastly, the paradox in Nigeria’s legal system is glaring. How can underage marriages be allowed in parts of the country while barring these same minors from pursuing tertiary education? The focus should be on ensuring that all Nigerian children, regardless of their socio-cultural background, have equal access to education. Instead of rigid age policies, there should be more emphasis on readiness and merit, allowing students to advance based on their abilities.
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