Temporary Halt to JAMB’s New Admission Age Policy by Delta State High Court

In a significant development, the Delta State High Court in Warri has issued a temporary injunction halting the implementation of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) new policy, which mandates that candidates must be at least 16 years old to gain admission into Nigerian universities. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association in Warri, representing candidates born between September 1, 2009, and December 31, 2009, who successfully passed the JAMB examinations in 2024.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Anthony Akpovi, comes in response to JAMB’s announcement on October 16, 2024, outlining that the new age requirement would take effect starting August 2025. The case, identified as W/311/FHR/2021, names JAMB and Edwin Clark University as the first and second respondents, respectively.

Justice Akpovi’s ruling confirms the granting of all requested reliefs, particularly emphasizing the rights of Nigerian children born within the specified dates to retain their admission status. The court order restrains JAMB and related institutions from enforcing the new age requirement until the motion underlying the case is resolved. Furthermore, it includes provisions for maintaining the status quo regarding admission lists prior to the circular issued by JAMB.

In a notable aspect of the ruling, the court granted specific reliefs to ensure that Angel Aikpokpo Martins, one of the applicants, continues her access to educational facilities pending a final decision. This decision underscores the court’s commitment to upholding the educational rights of students amidst evolving admission policies.

As this legal matter unfolds, it raises critical questions about access to education and the implications of regulatory policies on prospective students in Nigeria. The Delta State High Court’s ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding educational opportunities for all, particularly in a rapidly changing academic landscape.