ASUU Reacts To FG’s 18 Years Minimum Age For University Admission

ASUU reacts to FG’s proposal to set the minimum age for university admission at 18.

ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, endorsed the move, emphasizing its importance for academic standards and student maturity.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed its support for the Federal Government’s decision to consider setting the minimum age for admission into universities at 18 years.

VerseNews reported that in a recent statement during the ongoing 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, emphasized the Federal Government’s consideration to set 18 years as the minimum age for admission into universities and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

This Online News Media understands that the policy aims to tackle the challenges posed by the presence of underage students in higher education institutions.

Prof. Mamman highlighted the problematic nature of underage admissions, noting that it contributes significantly to various issues within these institutions. The minister’s concerns were echoed in his remarks about the pressures some parents place on their children to advance too quickly through the educational system.

Supporting this initiative, ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, applauded the move, stating it aligns with the union’s views on enhancing academic standards and student maturity in higher education institutions.

“We are in full support. It is the right thing. What the minister said is the correct thing,” Prof. Osodeke confirmed during an interview. He also reflected on past educational standards where age benchmarks were strictly enforced, drawing parallels to the current proposal.

Historically, the standard admission age for tertiary institutions in Nigeria has been 16, provided that the student is certified as gifted. However, in light of ongoing discussions, the Senate, in 2021, suggested amendments to the law governing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

These amendments aim to set the age limit for sitting the UTME at 16 years and above, thereby aligning with the proposed university entry age.

The adjustment to the admission age is seen as a step towards ensuring that students are adequately mature to handle the demands of higher education, thus enhancing their academic and personal development.

In closing, Prof. Mamman advised parents to avoid rushing their children through the educational milestones, advocating for a more measured approach that allows young individuals to reach an appropriate level of maturity before taking on the rigors of tertiary education.