The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced significant updates regarding the minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions for the 2024/2025 academic session.
In a letter addressed to vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts, JAMB has made adjustments that allow institutions to admit younger candidates who will reach the required age within the specified timeframe.
JAMB’s New Age Admission Rule
Initially, JAMB directed that only candidates aged 16 and above should be considered for admission for the 2024/2025 session, with the cut-off date for this requirement set for 31st December 2024. However, in the latest development, JAMB now permits candidates who are currently 15 years old but will turn 16 by 31st August 2025 to be considered for admission.
Flexibility for Institutions
This decision provides tertiary institutions with the flexibility to admit qualified candidates who were previously ineligible solely due to age. JAMB’s letter, signed by Muhammed Babaji on behalf of the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, emphasizes that this change will ensure fairness for students whose admission period might extend through August 2025.
Institutional Discretion
While JAMB has eased the age requirement, it allows institutions to maintain the original age limit of 16 years by December 2024 if they choose to do so. Institutions are free to uphold their policies without any pressure from the board.
Action Required from Institutions
Institutions are urged to review their Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) and submit a list of candidates who will meet the age requirement between January and August 2025. This list should be submitted within a week of receiving the letter from JAMB.
The goal is to ensure that all eligible candidates have a fair chance, regardless of when they turn 16. This new guideline ensures that no student is unfairly disadvantaged due to age restrictions, as long as they meet the set academic standards.
Conclusion
JAMB's recent update to the age admission requirements for the 2024/2025 academic session marks a significant shift in promoting inclusivity within the higher education landscape. By allowing candidates who will turn 16 by August 2025 to apply, JAMB is not only broadening opportunities for younger students but also ensuring that academic qualifications remain the primary criteria for admission.
This flexibility empowers tertiary institutions to make more informed decisions based on a candidate's capabilities rather than their age, fostering a fairer admissions process. Institutions are encouraged to take swift action in aligning their policies with this new directive, ensuring that eligible students are not left behind due to arbitrary age restrictions.
As the academic year approaches, the focus will remain on creating equitable pathways for all aspiring students, paving the way for a more diverse and talented cohort in Nigeria’s higher education system.
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