Court Declares 16-Year Minimum University Admission Age Unconstitutional

A Delta State High Court in Warri has ruled against the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), declaring the 16-year minimum age requirement for university admission unconstitutional.

Presiding over Suit No: W/311/FHR/2024, Justice Anthony Akpovi ruled in favor of John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Warri Branch, who challenged JAMB’s restriction on the basis of constitutional rights.

Aikpokpo-Martins argued that the restriction violated Sections 18(1) and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandate equal educational opportunities and prohibit discrimination. He sought several declarations and orders, including:

Nullification of JAMB’s October 16, 2024, circular, which enforced the 16-year age restriction.
A directive for universities to admit candidates who turn 16 between January 1 and December 31, 2025, provided they meet other admission criteria.
A perpetual injunction preventing authorities from denying university admission based solely on age.

While granting Aikpokpo-Martins’ reliefs, the court, however, refused his request for damages.