FG stops admission of candidates below 18 years in tertiary institutions

By Edward E.C

The federal government, Thursday, directed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, to admit only candidates who have attained 18 years in tertiary institutions. 

To this end, the government has warned universities against recommending unqualified children for admission.

Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, who said these in an address he delivered at the 2024 Policy Meeting on Admissions to tertiary institutions in Nigeria, said information at his disposal reveals that enrolment of underage candidates is inflicting serious damage not only on the university but also on the education system. 

The policy meeting is expected to culminate in determining the modalities and guidelines for admission into tertiary institutions for the 2024/2025 academic session, shaping the future of millions of candidates seeking higher education in Nigeria.

It is the largest single educational policy assembly, comprising of heads of tertiary institutions (vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts), regulatory bodies (National Universities Commission,NUC], National Board for Technical Education,NBTE, National Commission for Colleges of Education,NCCE, and other strategic partners in the tertiary education sub-sector in Nigeria.

Even as he acknowledged that the senate or respective academic boards of institutions have the mandate to initiate the admission process of each candidate,the minister noted that,”JAMB as a regulatory body has the mandate by law to regulate the admission process to ensure fairness and equity.”

 He 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 enrollment 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, who was merely restating his earlier position that candidates below 18 were responsible for crisis in the nation’s universities, received open protest from participants at the event. 

Immediately the minister made the pronouncement at the event held at the Body of Benchers’ auditorium in Abuja, all the people in the hall started protesting and shouting’no, no, no. “

In spite of the protest, the minister did not back down in his decision, as he explained that the decision was already a policy of the federal government. 

According to him, the action was aimed at addressing some of the major problems facing tertiary institutions, especially universities in the country. 

Speaking further, the minister explained that just like the previous admissions exercises, the admissions criteria remains as approved and circulated. 

“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 transparent, fairness and accuracy for which the Board is renowned, “he said. 

He added:” 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.”

The minister explained that, “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, “he said. 

While noting that the meeting accorded participants the opportunity of evaluating and perfecting the process of admission into the nation’s tertiary institutions,the minister charged 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. “

While also noting that the greatest assets in the education sector is the National Matriculation List, the minister charged institutions to ensure that a student’s admission must have been properly processed through CAPS and the offer 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. 

Speaking on the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, Prof. Mamman, explained that:” 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, “he said