Government to Set Minimum Age Requirement for University Admission at 18
The federal government plans to establish 18 years as the minimum age requirement for postsecondary education, as announced by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
While observing the current Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Abuja, he voiced his concern over the young age of many university candidates and urged parents against exerting excessive pressure on their children, urging them to allow their children to attain a certain degree of maturity.
Mamman said that several candidates were as young as 15 or 16 years old, a demographic he considered too youthful to navigate the shift from a regulated setting to one where they are responsible for their own matters.
He argued that this may contribute to the problems seen at universities. He stressed the need to comply with the minimum age requirement of 18 years for admission to the institution.
The user expressed appreciation for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for efficiently conducting examinations and acknowledged that the use of technology had greatly reduced instances of cheating during exams. He emphasized that technology has facilitated a smooth and convenient assessment procedure for pupils.
Mamman underlined the need to acquire skills to prepare young people for the future, considering the restricted number of admission seats available in postsecondary institutions. He highlighted that a mere 20% of applicants would be accepted into universities, polytechnics, and schools of education, while the other 80% would be left without urgent educational opportunities.
In order to fill this void, Mamman proposed placing a strong focus on the cultivation of skills throughout both elementary and secondary school. This strategy would provide students with tangible abilities, allowing them to live purposeful lives even if they choose not to pursue further education.
Dr. Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, praised JAMB for its rigorous criteria, which also facilitated the administration of the UTME in Saudi Arabia. He said that the examination had achieved a significant degree of impartiality and dependability in its outcomes.
Government to Set Minimum Age Requirement for University Admission at 18
