JAMB Results And Education Minister's University Entry Age's Proposal
By Inyali Peter
The recently released 2024 JAMB results have thrown a spanner in the works of the Minister of Education's proposal to raise the university entry age to 18. Despite the poor performances by candidates, the few outstanding ones are mostly teenagers between the ages of 15-16. These kids have categorically proven that age is not a determining factor in academic excellence.
In Cross River State, the highest scorer, Stephen Apebende, who achieved the impressive scores of 356 out of 400 is just 16 years old. Similarly, another young Cross Riverian that I know of, Churchill Nsa who scored 305 only turned 16 last week. I also know of a 15-year-old candidate who scored a commendable 269.
From most of the online posters we're seeing from schools who are celebrating their highflyers, almost all the top performers are people within this age bracket. These exceptional achievements demonstrate that young minds can excel academically.
The argument that 15-16 year olds are not emotionally mature enough for university has been disproven by these remarkable results. It is evident that with the right support and guidance, teenagers can thrive academically and personally. Raising the entry age to 18 would only serve to stifle the potential of gifted young individuals like Stephen, Churchill, and others.
Rather than focusing on age, government should prioritize creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment that nurtures talent and encourages growth. The JAMB results have spoken loud and clear: age is not a barrier to academic success. Let us celebrate and empower our young achievers, rather than limiting their potential with arbitrary age restrictions.
As a state, we need to celebrate our young minds and encourage them to work hard to even do better.
Inyali Peter, Ph.D, writes from Abuja.
