National Assembly Approves Minimum Age of 18 for University Admission

By Iyojo Ameh

The National Assembly has endorsed a minimum age requirement of 18 years for admission into tertiary educational institutions.

The decision, announced during the ongoing monitoring of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) in Abuja, underscores the assembly’s commitment to aligning educational standards with global best practices.

Sen.

Muntari Dandutse, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, emphasized the importance of establishing a clear age limit for university entry.

He stated that while age should not serve as a barrier to education, the proposed minimum age of 18 years, advocated by the Minister of Education, is non-negotiable.

Accompanied by members of his committee and counterparts from the House of Representatives Committee on Higher Education, Sen. Dandutse highlighted the necessity of amending existing legislation to enforce the new age requirement effectively.

Echoing this sentiment, Sen. Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, affirmed the existence of a law mandating admission for candidates aged 18 and above. He stressed the need to amend and strengthen this legislation in light of current circumstances.

Sen. Karimi underscored the principle that while age should not impede access to education, a minimum age requirement ensures the readiness and maturity of candidates entering tertiary institutions. He drew parallels with the age requirements for primary and secondary education, noting that university admission should similarly adhere to established age standards.

The directive issued by Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education, prohibiting admission of candidates below 18 years into tertiary institutions, was reaffirmed during the assembly’s deliberations.
The Minister emphasized that the 18-year benchmark aligns with the 6-3-3-4 system of education and serves to deter the undue influence of parents pressuring underage students to seek admission prematurely.

The National Assembly’s decision reflects a concerted effort to uphold educational integrity, ensure equitable access to higher education, and safeguard the welfare and development of students across the country.