The Delta State High Court in Warri has put a hold on JAMB’s policy requiring students to be at least 16 years old for university admission . This decision is coming comes after JAMB announced that only candidates who turn 16 by August 2025 would be eligible for admission, with an exception for students seeking admission in the 2024/2025 session.
The policy was part of the Ministry of Education’s directive setting 18 years as the minimum age for tertiary institution admission. John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former Nigerian Bar Association chairman, challenged JAMB’s policy in court, filing a suit on behalf of candidates born between September 1 and December 31, 2009, who passed the JAMB exams in 2024.
Aikpokpo-Martins sought relief, including an order restraining JAMB from implementing the policy. Justice Anthony Akpovi granted all the reliefs sought, effectively putting the policy on hold pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed against JAMB. The court’s ruling has significant implications for students affected by the policy. With the policy on hold, JAMB cannot restrict admission to students under 16 years old for now. This development may spark further debate on the suitability of the minimum age requirement for university admission in Nigeria.
