A Delta State High Court in Warri has ruled that the minimum admission age of 16 years set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for Nigerian universities is unconstitutional.

The case was brought by John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Warri Branch.

He argued that setting a specific age for university admission goes against the Nigerian Constitution, which promotes equal education opportunities and protects citizens from discrimination.

Justice Anthony Akpovi, who presided over the case (Suit No: W/311/FHR/2024), agreed with Aikpokpo-Martins’ arguments. The court ruled that JAMB’s policy, which required students to be at least 16 years old by August 31, 2025, before gaining admission, was invalid.

As part of the ruling, the court:

• Declared JAMB’s 16-year minimum age requirement unconstitutional and void.
• Ordered JAMB and universities to admit all qualified candidates, regardless of age.
• Stated that students who had already been offered admission should not have their admission revoked due to age restrictions.

However, the court did not grant Aikpokpo-Martins’ request for damages.

This judgment is a significant victory for students who meet all other admission requirements but are younger than 16. It ensures that age alone will not prevent them from gaining admission into Nigerian universities.