FG’s 18 Years Enrolment Age Into Higher Institutions, Dangerous Trend For Nigeria ⎯ Stakeholders

The Federal Government’s recent policy to increase the entry age into higher institutions from 16 to 18 years has sparked controversy and generated discordant tones across the country and in Rivers State particularly.

While some parents and educationists hail the move as a step towards improving academic performance and reducing pressure on students, others decry it as a recipe for disaster, citing concerns about creating leeway for restiveness, disinterest in higher education pursuit, and the damaging effect of cutting corners to falsify age by parents and guardians to meet the required enrolment age, and university capacity redundancy.

According to the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, who gave reason for the policy as he announced the ban during the 2024 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), he noted that it was due to the damaging effects of underage enrolment on the education system.

The policy meeting, comprising heads of tertiary institutions, regulatory bodies, and strategic partners, is expected to determine the modalities and guidelines for admission into tertiary institutions for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Mamman emphasized that JAMB, as a regulatory body, has the mandate to regulate the admission process to ensure fairness and equity. He also warned universities against recommending unqualified children for admission.

The minister’s decision has been met with resistance from some stakeholders, who argued that it may not be the solution to the problems facing tertiary institutions

But analysts said the move is seen as a bold step towards ensuring that students are adequately prepared for tertiary education.

However, some critics argue that the policy may have unintended consequences, such as denying gifted students the opportunity to excel.

Proponents of the policy argue that an older entry age will allow students to mature academically and socially, leading to better performance and reduced dropout rates.

However, studies showed that students who enter tertiary institutions at a younger age may struggle with the academic and social demands of university life.

Moreover, the policy highlights the need for a more robust basic education system, which prepares students adequately for tertiary education.

Educationists said the minister’s reference to the nine years of Basic Education and 3 years of Senior Secondary Education before entry into tertiary institution underscores the importance of a solid foundation.

Some say while the policy may have its challenges, it is a step in the right direction.

Ensuring that students are adequately prepared for tertiary education will ultimately benefit the education system as a whole.

However, critics counter that this move will increase the burden on universities, which are already struggling with capacity and resource constraints.

Charles Ebulu, Supervisor of Goalstar School in Rivers State, expressed concerns that the policy may lead to delayed entry into the workforce, impacting long-term career progression and earning potential.

Ebulu noted that students from underprivileged backgrounds may not have the resources to support themselves during the waiting period, leading to educational inequality.

He also highlighted the additional financial burden on students and their families during the waiting period.

However, Ebulu also acknowledged the benefits of the policy, stating that assuming students are mature at 18 years, they will have better management skills and work ethics.

He cited instances where parents know their children are not ready for the academic stress and workload of university life.

“The FG’s policy is a welcome development because they are equipped to handle the pressure of university life,” Ebulu said.

The policy has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that it may deny gifted students the opportunity to excel, while others see it as a necessary step to ensure students are adequately prepared for tertiary education.

Pastor David Aluya, an educationist and Chairman of Principals Association in Rivers State, has expressed concerns over the federal government’s blanket policy raising the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions to 18 years.

Aluya argued that the policy may hinder gifted students from advancing their education, pushing parents to falsify ages or seek education abroad.

He advocated for exceptions to be made for students who demonstrate ability and maturity, proposing a test designed by professors to assess readiness.

“The test should be administered by the FG, and those who pass should be allowed to further their education regardless of age,” Aluya said.

He criticized the lack of monitoring in policy implementation, citing the likelihood of private schools admitting underage students without government oversight.

However, Aluya’s comments highlight the need for a nuanced approach to education policy, balancing age restrictions with opportunities for gifted students to excel.

A parent, Bariture Theopholus noted that some individuals mature earlier than others, and a blanket policy may not be effective.

“Some people are matured at 15 and can handle tertiary education stress, while others may need to be 18,” he said.