On Thursday, the Federal Government instructed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to ensure only candidates aged 18 and above are admitted into tertiary institutions.
Consequently, universities have been cautioned against recommending underage applicants.
Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during his speech at the 2024 Policy Meeting on Admissions to tertiary institutions in Nigeria, emphasized that admitting underage candidates harms both universities and the overall education system.
This policy meeting, the largest educational policy assembly in Nigeria, involves heads of tertiary institutions, regulatory bodies like the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), and other key partners. It aims to establish the guidelines for admissions for the 2024/2025 academic session, affecting millions of prospective students.
While acknowledging that the senate or respective academic boards of institutions initiate the admission process, the minister highlighted that JAMB has the legal mandate to regulate admissions, ensuring fairness and equity.
Mamman said,”When I was monitoring the just concluded 2024 UTME, I was alarmed at the participation of a large number of obviously under-age candidates in the examination which necessitated my comment on the need to enforce the extant provisions of the educational policies which made provision for 9 years of Basic Education and 3 years of Senior Secondary Education before entry into tertiary institution. It is clear that a child who, as expected is enrolled in basic school at the age of 6 and having undergone 12 years of education would be around 18 years old when being enrolled in a tertiary institution.
“Subsequent information has revealed that the enrolment of underage candidates is inflicting serious damage on the university and the education system, hence, the need for enforcement of extant rules.
“I have also been informed about the surge in applications for immediate requests for a change of age to reflect higher age in anticipation of the imminent enforcement of the age policy. This again reflects dangerous games being played with the life and future of innocent children by those expected to nurture them. Flowing from this, JAMB is hereby instructed to admit only eligible students’ i.e those who have attained 18 years. Universities are advised to avoid recommending unqualified children for admission.“
Mamman, reiterating his stance that candidates under 18 contribute to crises in the nation’s universities, faced open protest from participants at the event. As soon as he made the announcement at the Body of Benchers’ auditorium in Abuja, the attendees began protesting and shouting “no, no, no.”
Despite the outcry, the minister stood firm on his decision, clarifying that it was already a federal government policy. He explained that the move was aimed at addressing some of the major issues facing tertiary institutions, particularly universities.
Further, the minister noted that the admissions criteria would remain as previously approved and circulated, similar to past admission exercises.
He said, “All institutions must therefore adhere strictly to them, and all other prescribed criteria by the regulatory bodies such as NUC, NBTE and NCCE, as well as other professional regulatory bodies, with particular reference to approved quotas, ratios and other specifications meant for improved quality, accountability and equity.
“I am aware of the processes leading to the introduction of many initiatives in the operations of JAMB and the admission process, as part of updating the existing systems. I, therefore, urge us all to acquaint ourselves with this process, in order to enhance transparency, fairness and accuracy for which the Board is renowned.
“The Senate or respective academic boards of institutions have the mandate to initiate the admission process of each candidate. JAMB as a regulatory body has the mandate by law to regulate the admission process to ensure fairness and equity. Technology has been installed to ensure compliance with mutually agreed procedures. Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) is one of such technology-platforms.
“You would all recall that in 2018, JAMB developed the innovative CAPS technology. Given my background and antecedents, I am familiar with the workings of CAPS as an automation devoid of human interference which has eliminated administrative bottlenecks. As usual, JAMB has always issued specific advisories to guide the process. Flexibility to address peculiarities and unique features of institutions can also be allowed provided such allowances comply with the guidelines.
“The Board has informed me of the discoveries in the recent past of over 1 million candidates improperly admitted outside CAPS between 2017 and 2020, to which a ministerial waiver for normalisation was given. I, therefore, want to emphasise that the position of the Federal Ministry of Education has not changed. That is, any Vice Chancellor, Provost or Rector, discovered to have effected any admission outside CAPS would be severely sanctioned. Such under the table admissions contradicts the data-driven approach outlined in the four focal areas (the DOTS) of education roadmap of the Federal Ministry of Education. Distorting data for national planning undermines the integrity of our system. Such action is unlawful and constitutes a stain to national image. It corrupts the national educational data, compromises accountability and jeopardises the interest and career of Nigerian youths.”
He explained, “The use of the mandatory National Identification Number (NIN) for JAMB registration is yielding the desired results.
“The insistence of JAMB that past and current applicants update their profiles with their respective NINs has helped in weeding out dishonest practices through persons who try to circumvent the system by multiple registrations/abuse. The Ministry will continue to provide leadership, support and encouragement to JAMB in its commitment to ensuring standard and best practices.”
Highlighting the opportunity for participants to evaluate and perfect the admission process into the nation’s tertiary institutions, the minister urged all to ensure that the “decision-making process is transparent, fair, credible, and objective, so as to avoid circumstances where deserving candidates are denied the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams and aspirations.”
He also emphasized that the greatest asset in the education sector is the National Matriculation List. The minister charged institutions to ensure that a student’s admission is properly processed through CAPS and that the offer is accepted.
“This list is crucial as it enables stakeholders to detect and prevent the use of counterfeit and forged certificates by fraudulent individuals. More importantly, it has ensured that only genuine students are mobilised for the NYSC,” he said.
On the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, Mamman said, “In demonstrating this administration’s commitment to ensuring access to higher education, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration as part of its Renewed Hope Agenda launched the National Education Loan Fund,NELFUND, aimed at providing interest-free loans to students with a view to providing education for all Nigerians.
“Let me remind you all that eligibility for this loan requires that students are properly admitted and listed on the National Matriculation List and this is only possible if all stakeholders follow the existing guidelines. Compliance will, therefore, ensure that students receive the benefits they deserve.”
Commenting on inclusive education, he said, “It is not in doubt that the challenges faced by Persons Living with Disabilities in terms of access to education have remained intractable despite unprecedented efforts to ensure equal opportunities for studies.
“One of such reform to encourage inclusive participation of Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD) as contained in the Roadmap for the Nigerian Education Sector which I launched in 2023, is the waiver of application fees during the 2024 registration exercise. This has yielded positive results, with a significant increase in applicants this year. Efforts are ongoing to encourage more participation of PLWDs.”
Congratulating the registrar and management of JAMB for their notable initiatives and successes over the years, Prof. Mamman said that the board had consistently stood out among public agencies for its transparency, integrity, and efficiency while promoting and enhancing Nigeria’s education system.
Highlighting that the admission process remains a cornerstone for shaping the future of the nation’s institutions and the country as a whole, he said, “Let us work together to ensure it is a process built on reliability, equity, transparency, and inclusivity, for the benefit of all students.”