The Delta State High Court 2, sitting in Warri, made a judgment declaring that the University’s unconstitutional Joint Admissions and Admissions Committee (JAMB) set a minimum college age for the University to be 16 years.
Hon. Judge Anthony O.
In the case, John Aikpokpo-Martins v. Joint Admissions and Admissions Committee (JAMB) and four Ohio cases challenge the age limit on constitutional grounds.
Aikpokpo-Martins filed a lawsuit as a public interest case, believing that age restrictions violate articles 18 (1) and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999. He seeks multiple reliefs, including:
“The declaration of restricting universities’ recognition of candidates aged 16 and older violates constitutional mandates for equal education opportunities and the right to be exempt from discrimination.
“The JAMB circular dated October 16, 2024 is listed, and the order is subject to age restrictions.
“A directive forces the university to recognize all qualified candidates, regardless of age.
“The ban on restricting JAMB and universities to refuse admission only based on age.”
JAMB’s lawyer Ao Mohammed, San, believes that the court lacks jurisdiction and claims that Article 18(1) of the Constitution (guaranteeing equal educational opportunities) is impossible to try because the provision belongs to Chapter 2 of the Constitution.
However, Aikpokpo-Martins, who represents himself, opposes the combination of Section 18(1) with Article 42, which guarantees freedom from discrimination, which makes the provision enforceable. The court agreed with his argument.
Following the ruling, any candidate, regardless of age, can purchase JAMB forms. Anyone who meets the selected course and college admission cut-off scores are now eligible for admission.
