JAMB’s directive, announced on October 16, stipulated that only candidates who would be 16 by August 2025 could gain admission to tertiary institutions. This policy follows a broader Ministry of Education guideline adopting 18 years as the minimum age for university admissions, though JAMB made an exception for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Aikpokpo-Martins filed the suit on behalf of students born between September and December 2009 who passed their JAMB exams in 2024. He sought court protection for his daughter, Angel Aikpokpo-Martins, and others affected by the new age limit, arguing that the policy unfairly restricts their educational access.
In his ruling on Thursday, Justice Anthony Akpovi granted the applicant’s request, restraining JAMB and Edwin Clark University from enforcing the age requirement or limiting students’ access to university resources. The court ordered a pause on JAMB’s directive to Vice Chancellors, Provosts, and Rectors, mandating that the admission list remain as it was before the policy’s issuance until the motion’s final determination. Justice Akpovi also approved an accelerated hearing for the case, ensuring a swift resolution.
4o
