The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has given tertiary institutions the green light to admit candidates below age limit until August 31, 2025. This decision, announced by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, ensures that students who meet the required standards but do not yet meet the minimum age requirement can still be considered for admission.
Why This Change?
The revision comes after it was noted that some institutions’ admission processes for the 2024/2025 academic session may extend beyond December 2024 and continue into July 2025. As a result, JAMB has adjusted the admission policy to accommodate these institutions. However, this does not override any institution’s internal policy to enforce their own minimum admission age of 16 years, which remains legally binding.
Details of the New Policy
According to JAMB’s statement, institutions are now permitted to admit candidates turning 16years between January 1 and August 31, 2025. The candidates must meet the admission standards set by their institutions, and the only restriction preventing their admission should be their age. To ensure a smooth process, institutions have been instructed to submit a list of eligible candidates via the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) within one week of receiving the directive.
This move is expected to level the playing field, providing younger candidates an opportunity to pursue tertiary education as long as they meet other academic criteria.
Ongoing Legal Battle
The decision comes in the wake of a legal challenge concerning the restriction of younger candidates from participating in national examinations. A fundamental rights suit was recently filed by lawyer Mr. Maxwell Opara on behalf of his son, Master Chinaemere, challenging the age restriction imposed by the Federal Ministry of Education on students under 18 who wish to take the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or JAMB examinations.
The suit argues that the age restriction violates the right to education and freedom from age discrimination, as enshrined in both the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. This legal development is seen as a potential turning point in the national discourse on age-related educational policies.
What Does This Mean for Students?
For students and parents, this means that tthose candidates below the age limit before August 2025, still have the chance to secure admission into tertiary institutions for the 2024/2025 academic session. As always, it’s crucial to ensure that all other admission criteria are met.
Final Thoughts
With this new development, JAMB continues to show flexibility in its admission policies while maintaining the academic integrity of the institutions it oversees. As the legal landscape surrounding age restrictions in education evolves, this ruling may provide more opportunities for younger students aspiring to begin their tertiary education journey.
Stay updated with more school news by following SchoolCafe.ng for the latest in admissions and educational policies.
To join, simplyclickthelinkbelow: SchoolCafe.NgWhatsAppCommunity
Didn't find what you were looking for? Search here
