We will go tough on underage applicants – JAMB boss

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict rules regarding the eligibility of candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, recently warned that underage applicants will face stricter scrutiny as part of the board’s efforts to maintain educational standards and ensure that only qualified candidates gain admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

This announcement comes amid growing concerns about the increasing number of young candidates applying for the UTME despite being below the required age for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Prof. Oloyede emphasized that JAMB would not tolerate violations of its guidelines and that measures would be taken to prevent underage applicants from participating in the UTME process.

Age Requirement for Admission

According to the guidelines set by JAMB and tertiary institutions across the country, candidates must be at least 16 years old before they can gain admission into any higher institution in Nigeria. However, recent data from JAMB has shown a significant rise in the number of underage applicants attempting to register for the UTME.

Many of these underage applicants are believed to be pushed by their parents or guardians, who often argue that their wards are intellectually prepared for higher education despite their young age. Some even resort to falsifying birth certificates in order to meet the age requirement.

Prof. Oloyede strongly condemned such practices, stating that they undermine the credibility of the admission process. He warned that JAMB would intensify its verification procedures to detect and disqualify underage candidates before they sit for the UTME.

Stricter Measures to Curb Underage Registration

To address this challenge, JAMB has implemented several measures to ensure compliance with the age requirement. These include:

1. Enhanced Age Verification Process – JAMB has partnered with relevant government agencies, such as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), to verify the ages of applicants. All candidates are required to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) during registration, which will help cross-check their birth records.

2. Stronger Collaboration with Schools – Secondary schools have been advised to ensure that only eligible students are presented for the UTME. Schools found encouraging underage students to register may face sanctions.

3. Strict Penalties for False Declarations – Candidates caught using false documents to meet the age requirement will be disqualified and may be banned from taking the UTME for a specified period.

4. Public Awareness Campaigns – JAMB has also embarked on sensitization programs to educate parents, guardians, and students on the dangers of early admission. The board has emphasized that gaining university admission at an early age does not necessarily translate to academic success.

Concerns Over the Readiness of Underage Students

Experts in the education sector have raised concerns about the readiness of underage students to cope with the challenges of tertiary education. While some young students may be academically gifted, many lack the emotional and psychological maturity needed to handle the rigors of university life.

A lecturer at the University of Lagos, Dr. Olufemi Adeola, noted that many underage students struggle with social integration, time management, and independent decision-making. “Tertiary education is not just about academic learning; it is also about personal development and social exposure. Many of these young students find it difficult to cope with the pressure of university life,” he explained.

Similarly, a guidance counselor, Mrs. Adebayo Funke, emphasized that pushing children into university at an early age could have long-term negative effects on their academic and personal growth. “Parents should allow their children to mature before sending them to the university. Rushing them into higher education may do more harm than good,” she said.

Reactions from Parents and Students

JAMB’s decision to enforce stricter rules on underage applicants has sparked mixed reactions from parents and students. While some parents support the initiative, arguing that it will uphold educational standards, others believe that age should not be a barrier for students who have demonstrated exceptional intelligence.

A parent, Mr. Olalekan Ogunshola, expressed his concern over the policy, saying, “If a child is brilliant and capable of passing the UTME, why should age be an issue? Some children are naturally gifted and should not be denied the opportunity to further their education.”

On the other hand, a university student, Esther Okonkwo, who was admitted at the age of 15, shared her experience of facing difficulties in adjusting to campus life. “I was very young when I got admitted into the university, and I struggled a lot. It was hard to keep up with my studies, and I felt lost because I wasn’t socially prepared. I now understand why JAMB is insisting on age limits,” she said.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Future Applicants

With JAMB’s renewed commitment to enforcing the minimum age requirement, students, parents, and schools will need to pay closer attention to admission policies before registering for the UTME. Schools will also play a crucial role in ensuring that students are adequately prepared before attempting university admission.

Education analysts have suggested that rather than pushing young students into university, parents should explore alternative academic pathways, such as enrolling their wards in advanced secondary school programs, skill development courses, or pre-degree programs. This will allow them to mature intellectually and emotionally before transitioning into tertiary education.

Conclusion

JAMB’s decision to tighten restrictions on underage applicants is a step toward maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s educational system. While intelligence and academic readiness are important, age and emotional maturity also play significant roles in determining a student’s success in higher education.

As JAMB continues to enforce these regulations, it is expected that schools, parents, and students will work together to ensure that only eligible candidates are presented for the UTME. This approach will help produce well-rounded graduates who are academically competent and emotionally prepared for the challenges of tertiary education and beyond.