The new directive by the Federal Government stipulates that admission to postsecondary institutions should be restricted to persons who are below the age of 18. During a monitoring session of the ongoing 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, made a consequential announcement.
Professor Mamman emphasized the excessive burden that certain parents impose on their minors in order to obtain admission into institutions of higher education. The objective of this new law is to conform to the organized 6-3-3-4 educational system, which establishes the minimum age for university admission as 18.
What is the reason for 18 years? Comprehending the Novel Admission Standard
Prof. Mamman emphasizes the significance of the 18-year milestone as it guarantees that students possess the necessary maturity to navigate the shift from a regulated school setting to a more independent university lifestyle. According to the speaker, there have been instances where pupils as young as 15 and 16 have made efforts to gain admission to universities. He emphasized the need for parents to refrain from imposing their children into circumstances that they are not yet prepared to manage.
“This transition refers to the shift of young individuals from regulated to unregulated settings, assuming responsibility for their matters,” Prof. Mamman elucidated. If individuals are young, they may encounter difficulties in efficiently navigating their newly acquired freedoms and obligations.
Broadening Prospects Beyond the Boundaries of the University
Acknowledging the limited admission rate of 20% for universities, polytechnics, and institutes of education, the minister emphasized the significance of acquiring vocational skills. According to his statement, the education ministry is aggressively integrating skills training into the curriculum starting from primary school, with the aim of equipping students with valuable skills applicable beyond conventional academic pursuits.
“Skill acquisition is crucial for individuals who may not pursue higher education,” stated Prof. Mamman. It is imperative that every student is afforded the chance to embark on a purposeful existence subsequent to the culmination of their elementary and secondary education, with skills training serving as the pivotal factor in attaining this objective.
Endorsement of the New Age Mandate and Evaluation Criteria
The spokesperson for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Dr. Fabian Benjamin, expressed support for the minister’s words, asserting that the age limit aligns with the educational structure of the nation. In addition, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, expressed his appreciation for the implementation of online tests during the monitoring of the UTME. The implementation of this technology transition has significantly decreased occurrences of examination malpractice.
“The implementation of online examinations and the Computer Based Test (CBT) has greatly reduced the likelihood of malpractice, ensuring a rigorous assessment process,” Dr. Sununu remarked, praising the board’s commitment to maintaining integrity in the testing procedure.
The implementation of this new policy on age restrictions for university admission is a component of a more comprehensive approach aimed at improving the educational environment in Nigeria. The objective is to not only ensure that students are sufficiently equipped for the demands of higher education, but also to cultivate a system in which every individual has the chance to cultivate valuable talents for a rewarding profession.
Credit: Allschoolabs, MySchoolGist
