By DAYO ADESULU
Court Ruling Suspends JAMB’s Minimum Age Requirement Pending Hearing
The **Delta State High Court** in Warri has issued a restraining order against the **Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB)**, halting the implementation of its recent policy that mandates a minimum admissible age of 16 years for university admissions in Nigeria. This order will remain in effect pending the hearing and determination of a motion filed against the board.
Background of the Case
On **October 16, 2024**, JAMB announced that only candidates who would turn 16 by August 2025 would be eligible for admission to tertiary institutions. This directive followed a new policy introduced by the Ministry of Education, which established **18 years** as the minimum age for university admission. However, JAMB made exceptions for students applying for the **2024/2025 academic session**.
Dissatisfied with this decision, **John Aikpokpo-Martins**, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association in Warri, initiated legal action against JAMB on behalf of candidates born between **September 1, 2009, and December 31, 2009**, who had successfully passed the JAMB exams in 2024. The case, marked **W/311/FHR/2021**, named JAMB and **Edwin Clark University** as the 1st and 2nd respondents, respectively.
Court Ruling Details
In a ruling delivered on Thursday by **Justice Anthony Akpovi**, the court granted all reliefs sought by the applicant. The significant orders included:
1. **Restraint on JAMB**: The court ordered that JAMB and Edwin Clark University refrain from implementing the directive related to the 16-year minimum age for admissions as stated in the circular dated **October 16, 2024**.
2. **Protection of Admission Rights**: An interim injunction was granted to prevent the respondents from withdrawing admission granted to **Angel Aikpokpo Martins**, ensuring her continued access to educational facilities at the university.
3. **Status Quo Maintenance**: Justice Akpovi ruled that the status quo prior to JAMB’s circular should be maintained, preserving the admission rights of all affected candidates until the hearing of the originating motion scheduled for **October 24, 2024**.
Implications of the Ruling
This court order is a significant development in the ongoing debate regarding age requirements for university admissions in Nigeria. It underscores the legal challenges that educational policies can face, particularly when they potentially infringe upon the rights of students. The ruling also highlights the need for clarity and fairness in the admission process, ensuring that students who have met the necessary academic requirements are not unjustly excluded based on age criteria.
Conclusion
As the case moves forward, it will be essential to observe how JAMB and the Ministry of Education respond to the court’s ruling and what implications this may have for future admissions policies in Nigeria. The decision serves as a reminder of the importance of legal oversight in educational practices and the protection of students’ rights.
