Parents Urge FG to Scrap JAMB Age Limit for Bright Students

Parents Urge FG to Scrap JAMB Age Limit for Bright Students

Concerned parents in Ekiti State have appealed to the Federal Government to reverse the age restriction policy for tertiary institution admissions. The policy, which requires candidates to be at least 16 years old by August 2025 to gain admission, has been met with strong opposition from parents and guardians.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) introduced the age limit policy to ensure students are mature enough for higher education. However, critics argue that it unfairly discriminates against exceptional students born later in the year. A court ruling has already declared JAMB’s age limit policy unconstitutional, citing that it breaches the fundamental rights of affected candidates .

Parents argue that the policy denies bright students access to higher education, while admitting older, less qualified peers. They claim that merit should be the primary criteria for admission, not age. According to the parents, the policy violates Section 18(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom from discrimination based on circumstances of birth .

A pressure group, the Movement against JAMB Injustice, has protested against the policy, urging the Minister of Education to intervene. The group demands that JAMB removes portal restrictions preventing qualified students from processing admissions, regardless of age .If the policy is not revised, it may deny deserving students access to higher education, potentially affecting their future prospects. The parents’ appeal highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to education, focusing on merit rather than age .

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has been urged to use his office to cause a waiver for qualified students. The outcome of this appeal remains to be seen, but the debate surrounding JAMB’s age limit policy is likely to continue.