As the 2025 JAMB examination draws closer, recent developments have sparked significant conversations in Nigeria’s education sector. From a court ruling nullifying JAMB’s minimum age restriction to philanthropic efforts helping indigent students register for the exam, candidates and stakeholders are closely following these updates.
The court’s decision declaring JAMB’s 16-year age limit unconstitutional has opened new possibilities for younger students, while JAMB’s swift appeal against the ruling signals an ongoing legal battle. Additionally, initiatives by Awani Foundation and Hon. Nicholas Mutu have provided financial relief for underprivileged students, ensuring they can sit for the crucial university entrance exam. This article covers the latest JAMB news as of March 1, 2025, analyzing how these updates will impact students preparing for the upcoming UTME.
Court Declares JAMB’s Minimum Admission Age Unconstitutional
In a groundbreaking ruling, the Delta State High Court in Warri has declared that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)’s policy of setting 16 years as the minimum age for university admission is unconstitutional. This verdict challenges a long-standing regulation that has prevented younger candidates from enrolling in tertiary institutions despite meeting academic requirements.
The Legal Battle Against JAMB’s Age Restriction
The lawsuit was filed by John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Warri branch. He argued that JAMB’s minimum age policy violated sections 18(1) and 42 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which guarantee the right to education and freedom from discrimination.
According to Aikpokpo-Martins, the policy unjustly prevents qualified candidates under 16 from securing admission, even when they meet the required academic qualifications. He maintained that age should not be a barrier for students who have proven themselves capable of handling tertiary education.
Court’s Verdict and Rationale
Delivering the ruling on February 27, 2025, Justice Anthony O. Akpovi sided with the claimant, stating that JAMB’s regulation contradicts constitutional provisions.
During the proceedings, JAMB’s legal counsel, A. O. Mohammed, SAN, argued that the court had no jurisdiction over the matter, claiming that Section 18(1) of the Constitution was non-justiciable since it falls under Chapter 2. However, Aikpokpo-Martins countered that when read alongside Section 42, which guarantees freedom from discrimination, the provision becomes enforceable.
What This Means for JAMB Candidates
With this judgment, JAMB can no longer deny university admission to candidates based on age. This means that younger students who meet the academic requirements can now register and sit for the JAMB examination without restrictions.
Previously, only candidates aged 16 and above were allowed to apply for JAMB and secure admission into Nigerian universities. However, this ruling effectively removes age as a criterion, focusing instead on academic capability and merit.
Implications for the Nigerian Education System
This decision could reshape Nigeria’s higher education policies, particularly regarding admission standards. Before now, some institutions had exceptions for exceptionally gifted students, but JAMB’s minimum age rule remained a major barrier for many young candidates.
With this court ruling, stakeholders in the education sector may now need to revise policies to ensure compliance with the constitutional right to education for all Nigerians, regardless of age.
Many expect JAMB to respond to the ruling, either by appealing the judgment or officially adjusting its admission policies to align with the court’s directive.
Reactions from Students and Parents
The ruling has sparked mixed reactions among students, parents, and education experts. While some believe it is a positive step towards inclusivity, others argue that younger candidates might not be emotionally prepared for university life despite being academically sound.
For now, this verdict stands as a major victory for young candidates who have long been restricted by age policies. As JAMB prepares for the 2025 UTME, this ruling could significantly increase the number of younger applicants seeking university admission.
The decision is expected to spark further discussions on education policies in Nigeria, with experts calling for a balance between academic merit and student readiness for tertiary education.
JAMB Challenges Court Order Nullifying Age Restriction Policy
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially challenged a court ruling that nullified its minimum age restriction policy for university admissions. The decision to appeal follows a judgment by the Delta State High Court in Warri, which declared JAMB’s 16-year minimum admission age unconstitutional.
Background of the Legal Battle
The case against JAMB was filed by John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Warri branch. He argued that the policy violated sections 18(1) and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which uphold the right to education and protection from discrimination. The court ruled in his favor, effectively allowing younger students who meet the academic requirements to gain university admission, regardless of their age.
JAMB’s Appeal and Justification
Reacting to the judgment, JAMB has filed an appeal to challenge the ruling and seek a stay of execution. The board insists that its age restriction is necessary to ensure that students are mature enough to handle the demands of tertiary education.
While JAMB has always required candidates to be at least 16 years old, the board has made exceptions for exceptionally gifted students under special circumstances. However, the recent court ruling removed the restriction entirely, prompting concerns about whether younger candidates will be adequately prepared for university life.
Potential Impact on Admission Policies
If JAMB’s appeal is successful, the minimum age limit of 16 years will remain in effect, restricting university access for younger candidates regardless of their academic abilities. However, if the appeal is denied, universities across Nigeria will be required to admit qualified students irrespective of their age.
This legal battle has sparked debates within the education sector, with some stakeholders supporting the age requirement as a necessary academic and social safeguard, while others argue that academic merit should be the only admission criterion.
Stakeholders React
Parents, educators, and legal experts are closely following the case, as its outcome could reshape the future of university admissions in Nigeria. Many are waiting to see whether JAMB will revise its policies or if the judiciary will uphold the right of younger candidates to pursue tertiary education without restrictions.
For now, the 2025 JAMB registration process remains unaffected, but the final outcome of this legal challenge could set a new precedent for future admission cycles.
‘Where Will We Study?’ JAMB Candidates Struggle as Hisbah Shuts Down Schools for Ramadan
With the 2025 JAMB examination fast approaching, thousands of candidates in northern Nigeria are now facing an unexpected crisis. The recent directive by Hisbah in states like Katsina and Bauchi to shut down schools and tutorial centers for Ramadan has left many students stranded, uncertain about how to prepare for the crucial exam.
Ramadan Closures Disrupt Study Plans
For many JAMB candidates, the months leading up to the exam are the most important for intensive preparation. Schools, tutorial centers, and group study sessions play a critical role in helping students master key subjects like Mathematics, English, and Science. However, with Hisbah enforcing school closures for as long as five weeks, these candidates are now left with limited options.
In Bauchi, the government has already announced a complete shutdown of both public and private schools from February 26 to April 5, 2025. This period covers most of Ramadan and the subsequent Salah celebrations. Similarly, Katsina’s Hisbah Board has ordered private schools to suspend all academic activities for the holy month. These closures, while aimed at allowing Muslim students to fully observe Ramadan, have raised concerns about their impact on education—especially for those writing JAMB in April.
JAMB 2025 Exam Dates Clash With the Closures
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has scheduled the UTME for April 25 to May 5, 2025, barely weeks after schools are set to reopen. With schools and tutorial centers closed for an extended period, students will have little time to catch up on missed lessons before the exam.
For many candidates, self-study at home is not a viable option. Some lack access to textbooks, reliable electricity, or even a quiet environment to focus. Others depend on tutorial centers where experienced teachers provide intensive coaching in key subjects. With these centers now closed, the anxiety among students is growing.
Christian and Non-Muslim Students Also Affected
The closures have also sparked concerns among Christian and non-Muslim students who do not observe Ramadan but are now being forced to stop their studies. Many private school owners have expressed their frustration, arguing that the blanket shutdown ignores the religious diversity of the states. For these students, losing five weeks of preparation time feels unfair, as they are now left scrambling for alternative study options.
What Can JAMB Candidates Do?
With this unexpected disruption, JAMB candidates in affected states must find new ways to stay on track. Here are some possible solutions:
- Leverage Online Learning: Students can turn to digital platforms like Myschool.ng, Pass.ng, and JAMB CBT apps to continue practicing questions. Free YouTube tutorials can also help.
- Form Small Study Groups: Since formal schools and tutorial centers are closed, candidates can form small study groups with classmates at home or in safe public spaces.
- Seek Private Tutors: Those who can afford it might consider hiring personal tutors to cover essential subjects during the closure.
- Use JAMB Past Questions and Textbooks: Self-study using JAMB-recommended textbooks and past questions can help fill the gap left by tutorial center closures.
Will JAMB Adjust Its Exam Schedule?
So far, JAMB has not announced any plans to extend the exam dates despite the disruptions caused by the school closures. Unless a new directive is issued, students will have to adapt quickly and find ways to keep up with their studies despite the challenges.
A Plea for Consideration
While the importance of Ramadan cannot be underestimated, many education stakeholders believe that a more balanced approach should be considered. Allowing students—especially JAMB candidates—to continue studying during this period would ensure they are not at a disadvantage. Some are calling on the government and Hisbah to provide alternative learning options, such as online classes or study centers that can operate with limited hours.
For now, JAMB 2025 candidates in affected states are left asking: “Where will we study?” The coming weeks will determine how well they can adapt to this sudden disruption and whether authorities will intervene to support their academic future.
Awani Foundation Sponsors 21 Candidates for 2025 JAMB UTME
In a remarkable act of support for education, the Dr. Kester Awani Foundation, through its Educate 365 initiative, has fully sponsored 21 candidates for the 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This initiative aims to empower young scholars by removing financial barriers that often prevent them from accessing higher education opportunities.
Selection Process and Commitment to Education
The selection process, overseen by Professor Mary Olire Edema, involved a rigorous screening to identify deserving students who needed financial assistance. Out of the 21 beneficiaries, 18 candidates were selected from the Awani Edo family and Ajamimogha community, while three additional students were sponsored on compassionate grounds due to their financial hardships.
By prioritizing merit and inclusivity, the foundation continues to uplift young talents who might otherwise struggle to afford the necessary registration fees for JAMB, thereby ensuring that financial limitations do not hinder academic aspirations.
Impact on the Community
The initiative has received widespread appreciation from community leaders and beneficiaries alike. Olora Aja Pa James Awani and Olori Ebi Ambassador Charles O. Awani both expressed their gratitude to the foundation for its dedication to human capital development. They emphasized the importance of sustaining such initiatives to provide even more opportunities for students in the future.
Beneficiaries of the program have also voiced their appreciation, highlighting how the sponsorship has renewed their determination to prepare diligently for the 2025 JAMB UTME and pursue their dreams of higher education.
A Step Towards Educational Empowerment
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Kester Awani reaffirmed his foundation’s commitment to supporting education and bridging the gap for students who lack financial support. He stressed that every young person deserves access to quality education, and through Educate 365, the foundation is playing a vital role in shaping the future of young Nigerians.
Professor Edema, who was actively involved in the selection process, also noted that empowering students through educational funding has a transformative impact on communities. She encouraged the beneficiaries to seize this opportunity and work hard toward achieving academic success.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 JAMB UTME approaches, the sponsored candidates now have a renewed sense of hope and motivation to excel in their exams. The Awani Foundation’s intervention serves as a beacon of hope for many underprivileged students, reinforcing the belief that education remains a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and driving societal progress.
This sponsorship is a testament to the impact of philanthropy in education, and many hope that similar initiatives will continue to emerge to support more students in achieving their academic goals.
Hon. Mutu Purchases 150 JAMB Forms for Indigent Students in Patani/Bomadi Constituency
In a bid to support education and ease the financial burden on underprivileged families, Hon. Nicholas Ebomo Mutu, the representative of Patani/Bomadi Constituency in the House of Representatives, has purchased 150 JAMB forms for indigent students in his constituency. His initiative aims to give academically capable but financially struggling students a chance to further their education and pursue their dreams of gaining admission into tertiary institutions.
Supporting Education Amid Economic Challenges
Hon. Mutu emphasized that many parents and guardians in his constituency face serious financial struggles, making it difficult for them to support their children’s education. With the current economic situation in Nigeria, many families cannot afford basic educational expenses, including the cost of JAMB registration. By covering these fees, he hopes to remove one major hurdle standing in the way of ambitious students who want to further their studies.
“I strongly believe that education is the foundation of any progressive society. If we do not invest in our youth’s education, we are failing our future. This initiative is my way of ensuring that students from disadvantaged backgrounds get an opportunity to compete fairly with their peers and secure a better future,” he said.
Scholarship Opportunity for Outstanding Performers
Beyond providing free JAMB forms, Hon. Mutu has pledged to award scholarships to students who perform exceptionally well in their JAMB examination. This additional support will help outstanding candidates continue their education without financial constraints.
He reassured students that this is just the beginning of a broader effort to provide long-term educational support for the youth in his constituency. His goal is to empower Ijaw youths, ensuring that financial difficulties do not prevent talented students from reaching university levels and becoming valuable contributors to society.
Commitment to Community Development
Hon. Mutu’s contributions extend beyond education. Over the years, he has actively supported various development projects, including:
- Providing educational facilities and improving learning environments.
- Entrepreneurship training and empowerment programs to equip youths with skills.
- Healthcare initiatives to ensure better access to medical services.
- Infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the living conditions of residents.
His holistic approach to community development has earned him the appreciation of many residents, who see his interventions as a lifeline for struggling families and students who otherwise would have limited opportunities.
A Bright Future for Indigent Students
Hon. Mutu’s sponsorship of 150 JAMB candidates is a significant step toward reducing educational inequality in Patani/Bomadi Constituency. By giving these students a fair chance at success, he is investing in the future of the Ijaw youth and paving the way for a more educated and empowered generation.
As JAMB 2025 approaches, many of the beneficiaries have expressed deep gratitude for this opportunity, with hopes of making the most of it and securing admission into higher institutions. Hon. Mutu’s initiative serves as a powerful reminder of how strategic educational investments can transform lives and uplift communities.
Conclusion
With JAMB 2025 approaching, the latest developments present both opportunities and challenges for candidates. The court’s decision on the minimum admission age could reshape higher education policies, but JAMB’s appeal against the ruling means uncertainty remains. On the brighter side, sponsorship programs by organizations and individuals have provided relief to students struggling with registration fees, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder academic aspirations. As debates around age limits and educational accessibility continue, students are advised to stay informed and focus on their preparation. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how these policies shape the 2025 JAMB UTME and future admission processes in Nigeria.
Thanks for this essue am happy to see this rules
When will Jamb close their registration date?
Please help us open epin portal it closed before the deadline please 🥺