ABUAD Will Continue Admitting Students Below 18 Years – Afe Babalola

Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, has vowed to continue admitting students under 18, opposing the federal government’s new policy that restricts university admission to those aged 18 and above, which he views as detrimental to young, talented individuals.

Aare Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has stated that the university will continue admitting students below 18, opposing the federal government’s decision to restrict university admission to those aged 18 and above.

Speaking to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Babalola criticized the policy as unacceptable and detrimental, arguing that it would deny brilliant and gifted children the opportunity to advance their education early.

He emphasized that universities should have the autonomy to make their own admission decisions, similar to the practices in Western countries, without government interference.

Babalola argued that age is irrelevant to national development and warned that restrictive policies could hinder the growth and aspirations of young talents who could address the country’s challenges.

He lamented Nigeria’s absence from the list of countries producing young achievers, attributing it to inconsistent and regressive educational policies.

“You cannot override a university’s discretion on admissions. We’ve admitted students as young as 15, and they’ve excelled, graduating with First Class honors by 19. This restrictive age policy will stifle the ambitions of the younger generation,” Babalola stated.

He cited the views of psychologist Elaine Aaron, emphasizing qualities like careful thought, deep feeling, and broad vision as essential for nation-building—none of which are tied to age.

“Maturity isn’t about age but mindset, emotional intelligence, and self-understanding. Many adults lack maturity, while some young people achieve remarkable feats,” Babalola continued.

He expressed concern that no Nigerian youths were listed among global young achievers, blaming policies that delay the recognition of young talent.

Babalola argued that universities should have the discretion to admit underage students who meet academic criteria, as is practiced in countries like the UK, Australia, Norway, and South Korea.

He criticized the federal government’s directive disqualifying students under 18 from tertiary education despite meeting academic requirements, stating, “We shouldn’t create barriers that hinder our gifted children’s development.”

This stance opposes the recent announcement by Education Minister Professor Tahir Mamman, who reinforced the federal government’s policy preventing students under 18 from taking key exams like the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

The minister confirmed that the age limit for university admission in Nigeria remains at 18, directing WAEC and NECO to comply with this policy.

READ ALSO: FG Restricts Under-18s from Taking NECO and WAEC Exams

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, VANGUARD