Amidst growing concerns over the age of candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Nigerian government is revisiting the issue of admission age into universities and tertiary institutions.
Currently, the admission age into most universities and tertiary institutions in Nigeria is 16 years. However, in 2021, the Senate announced plans to amend the law establishing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to limit the age of UTME candidates to 16 years and above, aiming to prevent underage individuals from participating in the examination.
Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the former Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, emphasized the importance of this amendment during an oversight visit to JAMB, highlighting the need to ensure that candidates are of an appropriate age to manage university affairs.
Despite these efforts, the Minister of Education, while monitoring the ongoing UTME in Abuja, reiterated the government's concern over early entry into universities. Minister Mamman cautioned parents against pushing their children and wards into university prematurely, emphasizing the importance of allowing students to attain a certain level of maturity before pursuing higher education.
Mamman noted that while 18 is the entry age for university, it is troubling to see students as young as 15 or 16 taking the examination. He urged parents to refrain from exerting undue pressure on their children, as early entry may hinder their ability to effectively manage their academic and personal affairs.
The government's reevaluation of admission age reflects a commitment to ensuring that students are adequately prepared for the challenges of higher education, fostering a conducive learning environment for all.
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