In a significant update for the 2024/2025 academic session, the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) has announced an adjustment to its minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions. Under the new policy, candidates who are currently 15 years old but will turn 16 by 31st August 2025 can now be considered for admission. This is a shift from the previous rule, which required candidates to be 16 years old by 31st December 2024.
JAMB’s Extended Age Policy for 2024 Admissions
Previously, JAMB maintained a strict policy that only candidates aged 16 and above were eligible for admission to Nigerian tertiary institutions. The age cutoff was set for 31st December 2024, which left many younger candidates unable to apply, despite meeting all other academic requirements.
With the new update, however, candidates who are 15 years old at the time of their application can now be admitted, provided they will turn 16 by 31st August 2025. This adjustment ensures that no student is unfairly disadvantaged due to their age during the admission process.
Flexibility for Institutions
This revised policy gives more flexibility to universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria. Institutions now have the option to admit younger candidates who meet the academic standards but were previously excluded due to age restrictions.
JAMB emphasized that this change is meant to ensure fairness for students whose academic pursuits might extend through August 2025. This is particularly important for candidates who have already completed their secondary education but were too young to meet the previous age cutoff.
Institutional Discretion and CAPS Submission
While JAMB has introduced this new flexibility, institutions are not obliged to adopt it. Each institution retains the discretion to either implement the updated age policy or stick with the previous rule of admitting only candidates who are 16 years old by 31st December 2024.
Furthermore, JAMB has asked institutions to review their Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) and submit a list of candidates who meet the new age requirement, turning 16 between January and August 2025. This list must be submitted within a week of receiving the notification from JAMB to ensure that no eligible candidate is left out.
Impact of the New Policy
This update is a welcome development for candidates who would have missed out on the 2024/2025 academic session due to their age. It provides a more inclusive approach to admissions while still maintaining the academic integrity of Nigerian tertiary institutions. By accommodating younger candidates, JAMB is ensuring that qualified students are not penalized due to age, thus giving them the opportunity to pursue higher education in a timely manner.
Summary of Key Points:
- Age Requirement Adjustment: Candidates who are 15 years old at the time of applying can now be admitted, as long as they turn 16 by 31st August 2025.
- Institutional Flexibility: Tertiary institutions can choose whether to adopt the new policy or stick with the original age requirement of 16 by 31st December 2024.
- Action for Institutions: Universities, polytechnics, and colleges must review their admissions data and submit a list of candidates who meet the new age policy to JAMB within a week.
- Fairness and Inclusivity: This policy ensures that younger students are not unfairly excluded from admission due to age, provided they meet all other academic qualifications.
If you are a candidate affected by this age policy, be sure to contact your prospective institution for further guidance on how this update may apply to your application.
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