Master Chinaemere Opara, a 15-year-old Senior Secondary School student, 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 newly introduced admission age policy. The suit, brought on his behalf by his father and legal guardian, Maxwell Opara, a lawyer, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In the motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1512/2024, the young student argues that the policy, which restricts university admission to individuals 16 years and above, is discriminatory and unconstitutional. Chinaemere seeks a declaration that the policy violates his right to education, freedom of expression, and equal access to public services, as guaranteed by Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The policy, which aims to set a minimum age for university admission, has sparked significant debate among education stakeholders, with some supporting it as a necessary guideline and others viewing it as a violation of fundamental rights.
Chinaemere’s legal team argues that the policy infringes upon his right to pursue higher education based on his capabilities rather than age. He contends that this restriction interferes with his aspirations to study Medicine and Surgery, a long-term career path that requires substantial educational and practical training, including youth service and a compulsory medical externship.
The suit also calls for a permanent injunction preventing the Ministry of Education, JAMB, and the NUC from enforcing the age restriction on university admissions. Chinaemere is set to complete his secondary education in the 2024/2025 academic session and plans to sit for his WAEC, NECO, and JAMB exams in 2025, hoping to enrol in a university the same year.
The case highlights a growing debate on age restrictions in the Nigerian educational system, with many questioning whether academic achievement should be tied to age. As of now, the court has yet to assign a judge to the case.
This legal battle will undoubtedly shape the future of admission policies in Nigeria and could have significant implications for other young students aiming to fast-track their academic journeys.