Court Blocks JAMB’s Age Restriction on Underage Students

The Delta State High Court in Warri has issued a restraining order against the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), preventing the implementation of its controversial policy that sets the minimum admissible age for university admissions at 16 years. This decision will remain in effect until a hearing and determination of a motion on notice filed against JAMB.

On October 16, JAMB announced that only candidates who turn 16 by August 2025 would be eligible for admission into tertiary institutions. This directive followed a new policy from the Ministry of Education, which established 18 years as the minimum age for university admissions. However, JAMB made an exception for students applying for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Frustrated by JAMB’s policy, John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association in Warri, took legal action against the admission board. He filed a suit, W/311/FHR/2021, representing candidates born between September 1, 2009, and December 31, 2009, who successfully passed their JAMB exams in 2024.

In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Justice Anthony Akpovi granted all reliefs sought by the applicant. The court ordered a halt to JAMB’s directives regarding the age requirement, effectively maintaining the status quo for candidates who have already been admitted.

Justice Olotu emphasized that the rights of Nigerian children within the specified age range, who passed the JAMB exams, must be preserved. The ruling maintains that the admissions list prior to JAMB’s circular from October 16 remains in effect, and the court also granted permission for accelerated hearing of the case.