15-Year-Old Sues Education Ministry, JAMB, and NUC Over University Admission Age Policy

A 15-year-old Senior Secondary School (SSS) student, Chinaemere Opara, has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Ministry of Education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and the National Universities Commission (NUC) over a new policy restricting university admissions to applicants who are at least 16 years old.

Opara, who is represented by his father and guardian, lawyer Maxwell Opara, argues that the policy infringes on his constitutional rights, particularly his right to freedom of expression and access to education.

 The policy, initially announced in July 2024, was met with significant debate, leading to the Ministry of Education adjusting the minimum age to 16 years for the 2025 admission cycle.

However, Opara believes the restrictions unfairly limit young, high-achieving students like himself from pursuing higher education at an earlier age.

“My son’s right to education has been or is likely to be violated,” stated his father, who confirmed that the student was planning to write WAEC, NECO, and JAMB exams in 2025.

 While the Ministry of Education spokesperson, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, expressed surprise over the lawsuit, she confirmed that ongoing discussions were being held to “fine-tune the process.”

She said, “I am just hearing about the case now… Meetings are being held to refine the policy, and I wonder why some people would rush to court.”

The lawsuit raises important questions about age discrimination and educational access, with the case yet to be assigned to a judge.