The Federal Government of Nigeria has reversed its earlier directive prohibiting candidates under the age of 18 from gaining admission into tertiary institutions. This change was announced by Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, during the 2024 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) held in July in Abuja.
Initially, Mamman had unilaterally declared that from this year, JAMB would only admit students who are 18 years old and older. The directive aimed to ensure that students are physically and mentally prepared for the rigours of higher education, in line with the country’s 6-3-3-4 education system. The Minister emphasised, “JAMB is hereby notified that there is now a ban on underaged students, those under the age of 18, from our tertiary institutions for the 2024 admissions. Our laws require students to be in school for six years. It doesn’t require a statement of the minister. We are only restating what is in the law.”
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Mamman’s stance was intended to address the challenges posed by underage students in higher education institutions. He also criticised parents for pressuring their children into early admissions, highlighting the importance of maturity in academic success.
Emmanuel Osodeke, President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (AS), supported the policy change, stating, “We are in full support. It is the right thing. What the minister said is the correct thing.” He added, “The issue of age benchmarks is not a new thing. It’s just that regulators have not been doing their work.”
However, following substantial pushback and criticism from university representatives, parents, and other stakeholders, Mamman reversed his position. Subsequently, he reversed the directives, announcing that candidates from 16 years old would now be eligible for admission until the 2025 admission cycle. “For practical reasons, we will go with that,” Mamman said, a decision that received applause from the attendees.
The revised policy reflects the current admission practices of most Nigerian tertiary institutions, which typically admit students from the age of 16, although exceptions are made for exceptionally gifted individuals. In 2021, the Nigerian Senate debated a similar amendment to limit UTME candidates to those aged 16 and above.
Education system in Nigeria
Nigeria’s education follows a 6-3-3-4 system. It begins with six years of primary education starting at age six, aligning with global norms where children typically begin formal education. Following primary school, students spend three years in lower secondary education, which is consistent with international standards dividing secondary education into lower and upper stages. The final stage of compulsory education, upper secondary education, lasts three years and ends around age 18, mirroring global practices.
Despite its alignment with global standards, Nigeria faces significant challenges in implementation. The nation’s literacy rate stands at 59.57 percent, ranking it 187th globally. Key issues include disparities between urban and rural education, underqualified teachers, and inadequate funding, all impacting the quality of education.
Tertiary education, in line with the existing provision, starts at 18, with undergraduate programmes spanning four to six years and postgraduate studies taking one to four years.
“Countries with high literacy rates often exhibit robust educational policies that prioritise accessibility, quality, and inclusivity.”
Education policies of countries with a high literacy rate
Education is a cornerstone of societal development and individual prosperity, serving as a catalytic driver for economic growth, social stability, and personal advancement. A crucial index for measuring educational progress is the literacy rate. Which varies significantly worldwide. According to DataPandas, literacy rate refers to the percentage of people who can read and write. Countries with high literacy rates often exhibit robust educational policies that prioritise accessibility, quality, and inclusivity.
Education system in Finland
Finland is renowned for its near-perfect literacy rate, which stands at 100 percent. Finnish children start school at age seven. The Finnish education system emphasises equality and accessibility, with free education, meals, and learning materials provided to all students. The structure includes six years of primary education, followed by three years of lower secondary education and three years of upper secondary education. Finnish students consistently rank high in international assessments like PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment).
Education system in the UK
The UK maintains a high literacy rate of 99 percent. The education journey starts at age five. Children begin with primary school, followed by comprehensive secondary education, where students work towards the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) at age 16. Post-secondary options include the Sixth Form for advanced qualifications like A-levels or vocational certificates. Tertiary education offers various paths, including universities and vocational colleges, providing bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees.
Education system in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has a 100 percent literacy rate. Dutch children start school at age four or five, with primary education lasting eight years, combining playful activities with foundational learning. By grade four, aptitude tests help determine students’ future education paths. Secondary education starts at age 12, offering several tracks such as vocational training (VMBO), general education (HAVO), or academic preparation (VWO).
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Nigeria vis-à-vis other African countries
Education system in Seychelles
In the Seychelles, with a literacy rate of 95 percent, education is compulsory for the first 13 years, encompassing pre-primary through secondary levels. The education system begins with early childhood education and continues through to secondary school. The Seychelles Polytechnic is the only tertiary institution on the islands, offering programmes in partnership with the University of Manchester. This comprehensive approach ensures that every child receives a solid educational foundation, contributing to the country’s high literacy rate.
Education system in South Africa
South Africa, with a literacy rate of 94.6 percent, has an education system that spans 12 years. This includes nine years of compulsory primary education and three years of secondary education, culminating in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams. The South African education system emphasises a broad curriculum that includes languages, mathematics, sciences, and social studies. The focus on a well-rounded education and the requirement for all children to complete their primary education contribute significantly to the country’s high literacy rate.
Education system in Libya
In Libya, the literacy rate stands at 91 percent. The education system starts with nine years of compulsory schooling, divided into six years of primary education for children aged 6 to 12, and three years of middle school for those aged 12 to 14. The primary education curriculum covers Arabic, Islamic studies, mathematics, science, and more.
After middle school, students can either enter the workforce or continue to secondary school for grades 10 to 12, where they choose between a general academic track or technical studies in fields like economics, engineering, or social sciences.
Tertiary education in Libya includes various paths: a bachelor’s degree takes between 3 and 6 years, depending on the institution, while master’s and doctorate degrees require 2 to 3 years each.
Challenges and solutions
While Nigeria’s education policy aligns with global standards, the persistently low literacy rates highlight the need for comprehensive reforms. Inadequate funding plagues many schools, leading to a lack of necessary resources and facilities.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria spends only 5.6 percent of its GDP on education, compared to the global average of 4.8 percent. Poor infrastructure is a major issue, with schools often suffering from dilapidated buildings, insufficient classrooms, and a lack of basic amenities. Low teacher quality is another problem, as many teachers are underqualified or lack adequate training.
Also, UNESCO reports that only 66 percent of primary school teachers in Nigeria are trained to teach. Additionally, the curriculum is outdated and often does not meet current educational and job market needs.
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To address these issues, several strategies need to be implemented. Increased government funding is essential to improve school infrastructure and provide necessary learning materials. Embracing technology by integrating digital tools and online learning platforms can enhance education quality.
Investing in professional development programmes for teachers can improve their skills and teaching methods. Updating the curriculum to include relevant skills and knowledge for the 21st century is also crucial. Organisations like the Lion Reach Educational Foundation are playing a vital role in tackling these challenges through consultancy, volunteerism, capacity building, and infrastructural development.
