November 14, 2024

Court Halts JAMB’s 16-Year Age Restriction Policy for University Admissions 

The Delta State High Court in Warri has issued an order temporarily stopping the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) from enforcing its recent directive that candidates must be at least 16 years old for university admission. This restriction is suspended pending the hearing of a motion filed against the policy. 

JAMB had initially announced on October 16 that only students who will turn 16 by August 2025 would qualify for admission into tertiary institutions.

This decision aligns with the Ministry of Education’s new policy, which mandates 18 years as the minimum age for higher education admissions. However, JAMB allowed some flexibility for students enrolling in the 2024/2025 session.

In response, John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Warri Branch, filed a suit against JAMB and Edwin Clark University, contesting the policy on behalf of students born between September 1, 2009, and December 31, 2009, who passed their JAMB exams this year.

In his ruling, Justice Anthony Akpovi granted Aikpokpo-Martins’ request, restraining JAMB from implementing its age restriction policy. The court also instructed JAMB and Edwin Clark University to uphold the rights and privileges of Angel Aikpokpo-Martins, a student whose admission was at risk due to the age policy, allowing her continued access to education.

Justice Akpovi directed that the circular issued by JAMB regarding the minimum age requirement for university admissions be put “on hold” until further court proceedings.

 The court also granted expedited hearings on the matter to promptly resolve the dispute. 

 


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