Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education, has declared that starting next year, candidates under the age of 18 will no longer be eligible to take the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.
This policy shift aligns with the country’s education policy, which sets 18 as the minimum age for admission.
Mamman clarified that this year’s JAMB examination will be an exception, allowing students to take the exam as a courtesy to parents before the new policy takes effect next year.
“Nothing has changed. It is still 18 years. What we did at the JAMB meeting was to allow this year and for it to serve as a kind of notice for parents that, this year JAMB will admit students below 18 years. Â
But from next year, JAMB will insist anybody going to apply to university in Nigeria meets the required age which is 18. Â
For the avoidance of doubt, this is not a new policy. This is a policy that has been there for a long time. And basically, if you compute the number of years learners are supposed to be in school, the number you end up with is 17 and a half. From daycare to primary school, then secondary school, you will end up with 17 and half. And by the time, the school Is ready for admission, you have the age,” Mamman said
Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education, has announced that students who have not completed the required minimum number of years in school will be ineligible to participate in the National Examinations Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams. The new criteria require students to have spent a minimum of:
- 17.5 years in daycare, primary, and secondary school
- Completed the required number of years at each level of education
This policy shift focuses on ensuring students meet the necessary educational milestones, rather than solely considering their age. Mamman emphasized that this change aims to improve the quality of education and prepare students
