A coalition of concerned parents, students, and stakeholders in Ekiti State has appealed to the Federal Government to scrap the age restriction policy for tertiary admissions imposed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and signed by Adeniran Samuel and Omotayo Omokayode, the group urged the ministry to waive the age requirement for all qualified candidates who passed the 2025 JAMB exam, regardless of age.
They further asked the minister to direct JAMB to lift portal restrictions that prevent underage candidates from processing their admissions.
The current JAMB policy mandates that only candidates who turn 16 by August 2025 are eligible for admission—a move that many parents and stakeholders describe as unfair and discriminatory.
The coalition criticized the policy for jeopardizing the futures of exceptionally bright students, arguing it penalizes them for early academic success.
They referenced a protest by the Movement Against JAMB Injustice—a similar pressure group—that had earlier demonstrated at JAMB offices in Lagos and the Federal Ministry of Education, calling the policy unconstitutional.
Quoting Section 18(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the group argued that the age restriction violates the right to non-discrimination based on “circumstances of birth.”
“This JAMB policy discriminates against children simply for being born a few months later. It bars brilliant students from gaining admission while allowing older, less-qualified peers,” the letter stated.
They cited a past Delta State High Court ruling that nullified a similar JAMB directive on underage admissions, reinforcing their stance.
The group highlighted the particularly low performance rate in the 2025 JAMB exams—where only 7% of candidates scored 250 and above—and questioned the rationale behind excluding high-performing, younger candidates based solely on age.
“It is unjust to disqualify students who scored over 70% while admitting others with the bare minimum score of 150, simply because of age,” they said.
The parents urged the minister to consider a phased implementation of any age policy, starting at the primary or junior secondary school level rather than applying it at the end of secondary education.
“These children are not seeking special treatment; they only want a fair chance. Denying them admission not only crushes their morale but also unfairly punishes excellence.”
They appealed to Dr. Alausa to intervene, describing him as a figure known for fairness and a commitment to educational reform.
“This issue goes beyond policy—it’s about justice, constitutional rights, and securing the future of Nigeria’s brightest minds,” the group concluded.
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