The recent article by Ms. Abimbola Adelakun in The PUNCH titled “JAMB and the obsession with ‘underage’ candidates” has reignited national debate on Nigeria’s education reforms. While Adelakun agrees that underage candidates should not be admitted into Nigerian tertiary institutions, she suggests that enforcing the policy from 2027 would be more reasonable. However, this rejoinder seeks to clarify misconceptions and highlight why JAMB’s decision to enforce the policy from 2025 is both timely and necessary.
JAMB’s Mandate and Misconceptions
Adelakun argues that JAMB is overstepping by enforcing age restrictions. In truth, JAMB’s duty is to sanitise admissions in line with the National Policy on Education (2013). The word “obsession” used in her article undermines the gravity of the issue. Enforcing an age limit is not about irrational control—it is about protecting young learners from premature exposure to the challenges of tertiary education.
Why Age Matters in Tertiary Education
Tertiary institutions are not just about academic competence. They demand emotional maturity, psychosocial skills, and independent living abilities. Countries like the UK, Australia, South Korea, Norway, and Germany already enforce 18 as the entry age into universities. Nigeria cannot afford to ignore this global standard.
Research backs this up:
- Bigg (1987) and Richardson (1995) found that older students adopt more effective learning approaches.
- Zeegers (2001) and Voyles (2011) identified age as a factor influencing student performance.
- Nigerian studies (Oparinde et al., 2025) even recommended penalties for institutions flouting the policy.
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Data Speaks: The Surge of Underage Admissions
Statistics reveal a worrying rise in underage enrolment:
- 2019 → 824 candidates under 16 admitted.
- 2020 → 10,809 admitted (a sudden spike).
- 2025 → 41,027 underage candidates sat UTME.
This sharp increase raises questions. Are these truly “gifted” students, or are they victims of systemic loopholes?
Real-Life Examples of the Policy’s Wisdom
- David Orisheneye Okorogheye (2018 UTME top scorer, 332) was denied admission at 15. Later, he excelled at Imperial College London at 18, with better maturity and focus.
- Ezeunala Ekene Franklin (2019 UTME top scorer, 347) was also denied admission at 15. At 17, he gained admission to Columbia University, reflecting later that the extra years helped him “discover himself more.”
Both cases show how time and maturity can shape better academic and personal outcomes.
Whose Responsibility?
Adelakun suggests JAMB should structurally prevent underage registrations. However, primary and secondary education age policies fall under state and local governments, not JAMB. JAMB’s role is clear: rank candidates fairly and enforce federal policy. Institutions then decide on admissions, with most unwilling to accept under-16 candidates.
Conclusion: A Reform We Cannot Delay
Education, as Nelson Mandela said, is the most powerful weapon to change the world. But this weapon must be wielded responsibly. Enforcing the age limit now—not in 2027—protects students, strengthens institutions, and aligns Nigeria with global best practices.
JAMB’s stance is not obsession—it is emergency surgery for a sick system. The right time is now.
Credit: Punch, Allcbts
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