JAMB Challenges Court Order Nullifying Age Limit Policy

JAMB Challenges Court Order Nullifying Age Limit Policy for University Admissions.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has taken a bold step to challenge a recent court ruling that nullified its minimum age policy for university admissions in Nigeria.

According to reports, JAMB has filed an appeal and sought a stay of execution to maintain its 16-year minimum age requirement for candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions.

The controversy began when the Delta State High Court in Warri delivered a landmark judgment, declaring JAMB’s age limit policy unconstitutional.

The ruling, issued by Justice Anthony O. Akpovi, followed a lawsuit filed by lawyer John Aikpokpo-Martins, who argued that the policy violated sections 18(1) and 42 of the 1999 Constitution.

In October 2023, JAMB issued a directive stating that only candidates who turn 16 years old by 31 August 2025 would be eligible for admission into universities and other tertiary institutions.

The policy was introduced to ensure that students are mature enough to handle the demands of higher education.

However, critics argued that it unfairly discriminates against younger candidates who are academically qualified but fall below the age threshold.