UNDERAGED UNDERGRADUATE

The Federal Government has directed that admission to tertiary institutions should not be given to candidates less than 18 years old. The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, gave the directive on Monday during a monitoring exercise of the ongoing 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory. Although 18 has been the required age to gain admission into a university over the years, currently, 14 to 17-year-old children are gaining admission, especially into private universities. This is possible because the law established by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) pegs the age limit for candidates of the UTME at 16 years and above. The primary reason for this policy change is to align with the educational structure of Nigeria, specifically the 6-3-3-4 system, which intends for students to enter university at a more mature age.

For young academic achievers, this policy means a shift in plans. Students who complete secondary school at 15 or 16 will now have to wait until they turn 18 to take the UTME. This delay could impact their academic trajectory and future career plans. A wonderful example is that of the popular social media influencer, Enioluwa. The influencer is currently pursuing a PhD degree at the age of 25. The average age for a PhD recipient is approximately 31 years. At this rate, Enioluwa will join the ranks as one of the youngest PhD holders in the country, which is a notable feat. The star admitted that he wrote JAMB at the tender age of 14, and that was what gave him the head start to be well ahead of his peers academically.

Consider Saheed Adebayo Akinfenwa, a notable Nigerian footballer who completed his secondary education early and pursued a professional career soon after. While his path is unique, it highlights the potential for young achievers to excel in their fields early. The new rule would mean that students like Akinfenwa and Enioluwa would need to wait before moving on to the next stage of their academic or professional careers.

The Nigerian Constitution doesn’t explicitly prohibit early entry into tertiary institutions. However, the new JAMB policy sets practical age limits to ensure students are both academically and emotionally ready for university life. This approach is somewhat different from practices in other countries. For instance, in the United States, exceptionally talented students can enter college early through special programs that provide academic and emotional support.

A unique example is Eugenie Carys de Silva, who graduated from high school in Manchester when she was 11 years old. After graduating high school, Carys de Silva began studying at American Military University. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Intelligence Analysis at the age of 14, and she is the youngest person to do so. Eugenie Carys de Silva later founded the International Association of Child Prodigies to provide children with an environment to pursue their educational goals. This is a clear example of how beneficial it is for students to finish school earlier, as they are more creative, industrious, and energetic to influence positive change in the world.

While the new JAMB age rule may seem restrictive to young academic prodigies, it has been designed with the broader goal of ensuring holistic preparedness for university life. This is very understandable, as Nigerian Universities expose students to so many different kinds of experiences, ranging from drugs to sex and alcohol. Being exposed to all these influences without adequate maturity can be dangerous for under-aged undergraduates. This justifies the rationale behind the new policy, which is to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the challenges of university life. University is not just about academic learning; it involves significant personal growth, independence, and responsibility. By setting the minimum age at 18, the policy aims to ensure that students are mature enough to handle these aspects. Ultimately, this ensures that when students do enter university, they are fully prepared to succeed and thrive.

Therefore, the government needs to strike a balance to cater to the diverse needs of Nigerian students. While ensuring maturity and readiness is important, it is equally crucial to provide pathways for exceptionally talented young individuals who are ready to advance academically. The government should consider a more flexible approach, such as special programs or assessments for younger students who demonstrate the necessary intellectual and emotional maturity. By doing so, Nigeria can foster an environment that nurtures both general preparedness and exceptional talent, ultimately benefiting the country’s educational and professional landscape.