In a move aimed at addressing concerns over parental pressure on underage candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions, the Federal Government has directed that individuals under the age of 18 should not be admitted. This directive, delivered by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, underscores the government’s commitment to aligning educational practices with appropriate age benchmarks.
During a monitoring exercise of the ongoing 2024 UTME in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, Mamman expressed dismay at the prevalence of parental influence leading to underage candidates attempting university entrance examinations. He emphasized that the minimum age requirement of 18 for university admission is in line with the structure of the 6-3-3-4 education system.
“It is concerning to witness candidates as young as 15 or 16 attempting entrance examinations,” remarked Mamman, attributing this trend to parental pressure. He stressed the importance of maturity and readiness for university education, highlighting the transition from a controlled to an uncontrolled environment that necessitates effective self-management.
In addition to addressing admission concerns, Mamman underscored the significance of skill acquisition for students who may not secure tertiary education opportunities. He revealed ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Education to integrate skills training into primary school curricula, ensuring that all students have pathways to meaningful post-primary education.
JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin corroborated Mamman’s stance, emphasizing that the 18-year admission benchmark is consistent with the 6-3-3-4 education system.
Joining the monitoring team, Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, commended the conduct of the 2024 UTME and praised the implementation of online examinations as a measure to combat malpractices. He applauded the Computer Based Test (CBT) format for its role in minimizing examination irregularities and applauded the Board for upholding rigorous examination standards.
The government’s directive marks a significant step towards ensuring that tertiary education opportunities are accessible to candidates who are adequately prepared and mature for university-level studies. As educational stakeholders continue to address challenges within the sector, initiatives aimed at promoting fairness and quality in the admissions process remain at the forefront of national priorities.
Credit: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Text Excluding Headline
