Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has publicly criticized the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) new policy setting an age limit for university admissions. Atiku described the policy, which restricts students below the age of 18 from being admitted into universities, as outdated, unconstitutional, and a hindrance to academic freedom and advancement.
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Atiku voiced his strong disapproval, stating that such a policy undermines intellectual freedom and fails to consider the needs of gifted students. He argued that this move could deter young, talented individuals from pursuing higher education at an earlier age, thus stifling their academic growth and potential.
“Tinubu’s policy on age limit for tertiary education admission belongs in the Stone Ages,” Atiku wrote, referring to President Bola Tinubu. “The recent policy of the Federal Ministry of Education pegging age limits for entry to tertiary institutions is an absurdity and a disincentive to scholarship.”
Atiku further criticized the policy as being inconsistent with Nigeria’s federal system of government. He pointed out that education is a concurrent responsibility shared between the federal and state governments, suggesting that such regulations should be determined by sub-national governments rather than imposed by the federal government.
“The Nigerian constitution puts education in the concurrent list of schedules, in which the sub-national government enjoys more roles above the federal government,” Atiku emphasized. “Therefore, it is extra-constitutional for the federal government to legislate on education in a manner similar to a decree.”
He also expressed disappointment that the federal government, while announcing the new policy, admitted it had no provisions for exceptionally gifted students. “That statement is an embarrassment to the body of intellectuals in the country because it portrays Nigeria as a country where gifted students are not appreciated,” Atiku added.
Atiku concluded by calling on all who support intellectual freedom and accessibility to oppose this policy. He argued that the role of the federal government in education should be to foster environments where talented students, regardless of age, are supported and given opportunities, not restricted by arbitrary age limits.
“This controversial policy belongs in the Stone Ages and should be roundly condemned by everyone who believes in intellectual freedom and accessibility,” he stated.
