Why Minister Barred Under 18yrs Students from Tertiary Admission

The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, has issued a directive barring students under the age of 18 from seeking admission into tertiary institutions. This decision was announced during a monitoring exercise of the ongoing 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory.

Minister Mamman expressed concern over the pressure some parents exert on their underage children to gain admission into universities. He emphasized that the 18-year benchmark aligns with the 6-3-3-4 education system and is intended to ensure that students are mature enough to understand the demands of university education.

“We have observed students as young as 15 or 16 years old sitting for university entrance examinations. Parents need to be mindful not to push their children too hard. This trend is primarily driven by parental pressure,” the minister stated.

To address the issue of students who do not gain admission into tertiary institutions, Minister Mamman highlighted the importance of skills acquisition. He noted that the Ministry of Education is integrating skills training into the primary school curriculum to provide alternative paths for students who do not proceed to higher education.

Commenting on the age requirement, the JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, echoed the minister’s stance, emphasizing that 18 years is in line with the 6-3-3-4 education system.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, praised the conduct of the 2024 UTME, particularly highlighting the effectiveness of the computer-based test (CBT) in reducing examination malpractices. He commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for maintaining high standards in the examination process.

What is your impression about this story?