By Gabriella Ogbu
The Federal Government has revealed that only 20% of candidates sitting for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will likely gain admission into tertiary institutions nationwide. Additionally, the government is contemplating setting the minimum age for admission to 18 years.
During a monitoring exercise in Abuja, Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education, discussed the challenges of the current system and emphasized the importance of skill acquisition for youth empowerment.
Prof. Mamman expressed concern over parental pressure on children and emphasized the need for a balanced approach to education. He stressed the importance of skill acquisition from primary education to prepare students for life beyond the classroom.
Regarding age requirements for university admission, Mamman highlighted instances of candidates as young as 15 or 16 taking the UTME, which he deemed inappropriate. He urged parents not to push their children into tertiary education prematurely.
The minister commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for conducting a smooth examination process, attributing the reduced rate of examination malpractice to the use of technology.
Dr. Tanko Sununu, Minister of State for Education, lauded JAMB’s management for maintaining high standards, noting the administration’s expansion of the examination to international locations like Saudi Arabia.
Sununu praised the efficiency and integrity of the examination process, underscoring the importance of a controlled transition for students entering tertiary education.
