JAMB Warns Parents Against Falsifying Wards’ Ages for Admission

JAMB Executive Secretary, Professor Ishiaq Olanrewaju Oloyede, praised Obafemi Awolowo University for promoting mentorship and academic excellence and cautioned parents against falsifying their children’s ages for university admission.

The Executive Secretary of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishiaq Olanrewaju Oloyede, commended Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, for promoting mentorship and academic excellence, essential for the institution’s future. During the presentation of the Academic and Research Excellence Award to the esteemed legal expert and professor of practice, Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN), Oloyede cautioned parents against falsifying their children’s ages to meet the 18-year minimum age requirement for university admission.

He warned that such actions push children into a world of corruption and crime.

Speaking at the event, Oloyede, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, emphasized that universities must uphold excellence and encourage scholarship and research. He described the selection of the awardee as the “right choice” and praised OAU’s efforts to honor scholars and foster an environment of academic growth. He highlighted the importance of recognizing brilliant students and preparing them to replace the current generation of academics, thus ensuring a bright future for the nation.

Regarding the age limit for university admission, Oloyede clarified that the minimum age is 16, not 18. He expressed concern over the trend of labeling a large percentage of students as “extra brilliant,” which he believes leads to unethical practices. He reiterated that students under 16 would not be admitted to universities, aligning with policies at institutions like the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Oloyede stressed the importance of adhering to established age requirements, arguing that pushing students beyond their biological age leads to unnecessary stress and potential legal issues. He concluded by urging parents to avoid falsifying ages, as it exposes children to undue stress and potential legal consequences.

He said:”My take home from this event is to demonstrate that universities have the potential for development and part of the development is to recognize the tools for development and to encourage development.“

“They are planning for the future and by recognizing Yusuf Olaolu Ali. They are encouraging mentors so that they can mentor others and those other people they are mentoring can also mentor others. It’s a way of increasing our capacity to develop those who will develop the nation.”

On the age limit conversation, the JAMB Registrar said,”This year, the minimum age is 16, not 18.How many brilliant students do you have at the end of the day? People are cutting corners instead of us to address the root of our problem, we’re making excuses.”

He added that;

“How can you say 50% of the class are extra brilliant? What are we seeing at the end of the day? People are cutting corners and are acting against the interest of the students. Why do you want to prematurely produce a person that is not ready biologically?”he queried.” I think it’s good that for this year it’s 16 years and anybody who is less than 16 and is going to university will not be admitted even though before now, some universities like UNILAG don’t give students less than age 16 admission.

“We’re just emphasizing the old policy and not creating a new one so there’s no need to fake your age to gain admission to the university because you are introducing this child to the world of corruption and crime.“We’re not talking about educational attainment but we’re talking about pushing students beyond their biological age. You’re putting them through unnecessary stress because such a child is not mentally prepared for the curriculum,”he said.

READ ALSO: JAMB Warns Tertiary Institutions Against Illegal Admission of Underage and Diploma Students

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, VANGUARD