Parents write FG to reverse age restriction policy
By Idowu Adebomi, Ado-Ekiti
The Coalition of Concerned Parents, Students, and Stakeholders in Ekiti State has issued a strong appeal to the Federal Government, urging a reversal of the age restriction policy for university admission seekers.
The group expressed its concerns in a formal letter addressed to the Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, signed by Adeniran Samuel and Omotayo Omokayode.
The coalition described the policy as having a deeply negative impact on the future of young Nigerians, asserting that it violates Section 18(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
They argued that the policy constitutes discrimination based on the circumstance of birth, as it denies brilliant young students access to higher education while admitting older, less qualified peers.
"The policy amounts to discrimination based on 'circumstance of birth' by excluding brilliant students from access to higher education."
"No matter how plausible the justification JAMB provides, it is constitutionally void if it denies equal opportunity or discriminates against these children,"the letter stated.
The group further cited two legal precedents in their appeal: a Delta State High Court judgment (John Aikpokpo-Martins v Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) & 4 Ors.) and a ruling in Lagos (David Ayooluwa Akindoyin v JAMB). Both cases declared JAMB's earlier directives on underage admissions null and void.
The parents highlighted the perceived unfairness of the policy, especially in light of the high failure rate in the 2025 JAMB examinations.
They also pointed out that it is deeply unfair to disqualify deserving candidates who scored above 70% solely due to their age, while older applicants who scored the cutoff mark of 150 are granted admission.
"The criteria for admission should be merit, not an arbitrary age restriction," the statement emphasized.
In their plea, the coalition urged the Minister to use his authority to grant a waiver for all qualified students who passed the 2025 JAMB exam, regardless of age.
They also requested the removal of portal restrictions that prevent these students from processing their admissions.
The group further suggested a phased implementation of any age policy, starting from the primary or junior secondary school level, rather than at the critical point of university entry.
"This matter is not merely about education; it is about fairness, constitutional rights, and the future of Nigeria’s brightest minds," the group noted, adding that the children are not seeking an undue advantage but simply asking not to be punished for their early excellence.