Education
ASUU backs FG on 18 years university admission age
THE Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, on Monday, said the Federal Government is considering the adoption of 18 years as the entry age for admission into universities and other tertiary institutions of learning.
The minister also accused underage students of being responsible for some of the problems being encountered in higher institutions.
The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, described the proposition by the Federal Government as a welcome development.
“We are in full support. It is the right thing. What the minister said is the correct thing,” ASUU President told our correspondent in an interview.
He added, “The issue of age benchmark is not a new thing. It’s just that regulators have not been doing their work.
“In those days, you could not go to primary school if you were not six years old. Then you spend six years and finish at age 12; and then by the time you get to secondary school you spend six years and then you graduate by 18,” Oshodeke explained.
The standard admission age currently set by most tertiary institutions in the country is 16 years unless a candidate is certified as gifted.
In 2021, the Senate announced plans to amend the law establishing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, to limit the age of a candidate sitting the UTME to 16 years and above.
The then Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Basic Education, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, indicated during the committee’s oversight visit to JAMB, saying this would prevent underage from participating in the examination, to gain admission into universities in Nigeria.
But Mamman, speaking while monitoring the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in Abuja, cautioned parents against pushing their children and wards ‘too much’.
This, he said, would allow them to attain some level of maturity to be able to better manage their affairs.
About 1,985,642 candidates are to sit 2024 UTME of the JAMB, which commenced on Friday, April 19, and would end on Monday, April 29.
Speaking during the inspection of one of the centres of the examination on Monday, the minister added, “The other thing which we notice is the age of those who have applied to go to the university. Some of them are too young. We are going to look at it because they are too young to understand what a university education is all about.
“That’s the stage when students migrate from a controlled environment where they are in charge of their own affairs. So if they are too young, they won’t be able to manage properly. That accounts for some of the problems we are seeing in the universities.
“We are going to look at that; 18 is the entry age for university but you will see students, 15, and 16, going to the examination. It is not good for us. Parents should be encouraged not to push their wards or children too much.”
The minister commended the JAMB for a seamless examination process, noting that the adoption of technology had helped in reducing the cases of examination practices.
“Right from screening to those who are here, the examination process is seamless. The environment is comfortable for students. That’s how it should be, especially the use of technology in our affairs and the educational system. It makes life easy for everybody and seamless.
“As we know this examination is going on throughout the country. It is being monitored everywhere seamlessly and from the report I have heard, the malpractice level is very low – just 100 out of the 1.2 million. It has gone down drastically and I believe that it is the use of technology that has made that happen, so this is very good,” he said.
Commenting on the high number of candidates seeking admission into the tertiary institutions with limited slots available, Mamman maintained that skills acquisition remains a critical component in preparing the youth for a brighter future.
“It is not a question of being employed but how many will be admitted from this set. I think the figure overall on average is about 20 per cent; universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
“The question you ask is, where are the 80 per cent? They are our children, our wards living with us. This is why the issue of skills acquisition is important because any student who is not able to proceed to tertiary education should have a meaningful life, even after secondary school, or even primary education.
“The only solution to that is skills; by taking skills right from the time they are admitted into school, for the primary right through the educational trajectory. Somebody should finish with one skill or another. That is part of the assumption of the 6-3-3-4 educational system.
“It is assumed that by the time a student finishes up to the JSS level, he would have acquired some skills. If he did not proceed to the senior secondary level, he would have acquired some skills that would help him navigate life and cease to be a burden on his parents and society.
“That’s why skill is just the most important skill for us now that we are going to drive through the education sector for both public and private sector to empower the young ones.”
Minister of State for Education, Dr Tanko Sununu, announced that the UTME was ongoing in Saudi Arabia, as a result of the standards set by JAMB’s management, noting that the examination had transcended to a high level of objectivity and reliability of results.
“Right from when the candidates arrive, they would be seated comfortably in the waiting room, screening and other necessary instructions will be given and they will proceed to do biometrics.
“There are some instructions that will be pushed that even if you are just coming into contact with a computer for the first time, provided you have been using the handset or smartphone, that will properly guide you to have access.
“One of the major things I see here, which is a major characteristic of online exams, is the speed. The speed in the centre is really excellent; pages are turned as at when candidates need them without any delay of booting.
“Also in the exam, there are lots of steps to prevent examination malpractice. Adjacent candidates will be taking different subjects and even when you are answering the same questions, the question numbers will be different from the next person’s question numbers.
“The standard of the exam is commendable. I am not surprised that JAMB is conducting exams in other countries. Right now, the exam is also going (on) in Saudi Arabia.
“I have not heard people complaining that answers leaked, it shows that with online exams, we can do a lot,” he said.
By Our Reporter
Tragedy has struck the family of Comrade Ambrose Nnamani of Isi-Ama Ejona in Mbu Amon, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, following the death of their 14-year-old son, Kosisochukwu Nnamani.
The deceased, who was a student of the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC) Enugu, was reportedly drowned while attempting to recover a bucket that fell into a water reservoir.
Sources disclosed that the unfortunate incident occurred on May 4, 2026, throwing the family and members of the community into mourning.
A burial poster released by the family described the death of the teenager as a “painful exit,” stating that his sudden demise has left relations, friends and schoolmates devastated.
According to the burial arrangements, a Christian wake is scheduled to hold at the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC) Enugu on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, while funeral Mass and interment will take place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at his father’s compound in Ugwu-Faith, Isi-Ama Ejona, Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu State.
The family prayed for the peaceful repose of the young boy, describing him as a “little angel gone too soon.”
By Okey Maduforo Awka .
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state has lamented lack of research in public policy making contending that academic research with positive impact on governance is sterial.
He further challenged the academic community to step up it’s intellectual works towards solving contending issues that shape the wellbeing of the immediate society.
The Governor who delivered a lecture at the 6th Biennial Adada Lecture Series 2026 convened by Association of Nsukka Professors noted that gone are those days when intellectual works end up at the University book shelf without transforming the socioeconomic needs of any given society.
Soludo observed that the “fusion of thought and action” remains the only bridge to a national rebirth.
Soludo questioned why academic discussions have seemingly lost their authority in national life. Despite producing thousands of professors and journals, he noted a “severed link” between academic research and public policy.
“If you have 200 Professors as members, how is the Adada zone not a first world?” he asked, challenging the audience to move beyond the walls of the university. “We produce journal articles, but how many have become policies? Intellectualism without activism is sterile.”
The Governor further advocated for “Productive Intellectualism,” where critical thinking guides public purpose. Drawing from his first tenure as Governor over the last four years, Governor Soludo highlighted how he has attempted to bring intellectualism to governance through “sacrificial volunteerism” and how he succeeded in laying the foundation for the African Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley.
He emphasized that nations do not develop by resources alone, but by ideas that precede institutions; citing historical giants like Isaac Newton, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Kwame Nkrumah, Ahmadu Bello, and a host of others, as examples of a shared pattern of logical thinking that yield ideas and then built.
“This is a challenge to the intellectuals and the wider academic community: to multi-task, as the modern intellectual must be both a thinker and a doer, Question the Status Quo which remains a fundamental element of true intellectualism”
“Standing akimbo is too expensive,” Soludo warned. “We don’t just live; we live to matter. It is time to get back to basics and drive the African renaissance through active participation.”
Speaking earlier, Professor Osita Ogbu, presiding as Chairman, observed that the true benchmark of academic excellence is not found in the complacency of achievement, but in an unyielding hunger for discovery and the courage to apply that knowledge to real-world challenges. He asserted that intellectuals are never satisfied, they keep working.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Simon Ortuanya, framed the gathering as a significant homecoming for Governor Soludo. He offered a glowing tribute to the Governor, commending his transformative contributions to the Nigerian state and his broader dedication to the service of humanity.
Enugu East Local Government Area has formalised a strategic partnership with David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening human capital development in the council area.
The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting between officials of the council and the university’s management, is expected to open new opportunities in medical education, training, and healthcare capacity building.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Executive Chairman of Enugu East LGA, Engr. Pst. Beloved-Dan Obi Anike, described the partnership as a major step toward building a healthier and more prosperous society through deliberate investment in education.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the broader development agenda of the Enugu State Government under Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, particularly in the area of human capital development.
As part of the agreement, the council unveiled plans to sponsor 100 students from Enugu East to study medical-related courses at the university, a move aimed at addressing manpower gaps in the health sector while empowering local youths.
“This partnership is not just about education; it is about securing the future of our people. By investing in medical training, we are building a foundation for sustainable healthcare delivery in Enugu East,” Anike said.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Jesse Uneke, commended the council for its forward-thinking approach, describing the MoU as a mutually beneficial arrangement that would enhance both academic excellence and community impact.
He assured that the institution would provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the scholarship programme and other areas of collaboration captured in the agreement.
The MoU is also expected to cover research collaboration, capacity building, and possible medical outreach programmes within Enugu East communities.
Stakeholders say the partnership marks a significant milestone in the council’s drive to improve access to quality education and healthcare, while positioning Enugu East as a model for grassroots-driven development.
Implementation of the agreement is expected to commence in the coming weeks, with both parties set to outline detailed modalities for its execution.
Fifteen students from Enugu East Local Government Area who were awarded scholarships to study medicine and engineering at Maduka University have officially matriculated, marking a major milestone in their academic journey.
The scholarship initiative, driven by the Enugu East Local Government Council under the leadership of Engr. Pst. Beloved-Dan Obi Anike, is part of efforts to boost human capital development through strategic investment in education.
The council facilitated admission for the beneficiaries into high-demand professional courses, positioning them to become future leaders in medicine, engineering, and related fields.
The matriculation ceremony was attended by key government representatives, including Barr. Uche Mbaeke, Secretary of Enugu East LGA, and Pst. Polycarp Ugwu, Secretary of the Enugu East Human Capital Trust Fund, who represented the council at the event.
The ceremony signals the beginning of a new academic chapter for the students, who are expected to make meaningful contributions to their community and beyond.
The initiative has been widely commended as a bold step toward youth empowerment and sustainable development in Enugu East.
A lecturer at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Mr. Anslem Ojodomo, has died after collapsing in class while teaching.
The Rector of the polytechnic confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday in Lokoja by the Acting Coordinator, Directorate of Public Relations, Mr. John Onimisi, describing the development as a “deep personal shock.”
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the institution, coming just a month after another lecturer, Dr. Barnabas Akuba, passed away shortly after completing his PhD programme.
Ojodomo’s death has sparked concern among staff and students, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the sudden losses.
Student eyewitnesses, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, said Ojodomo collapsed while addressing his class. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The polytechnic community has been left in a state of uncertainty, having lost two lecturers in quick succession.
Meanwhile, the Rector, Prof. Salihu Avidime, extended heartfelt condolences to the institution and the family of the deceased, noting that Ojodomo was a lecturer in the Department of Public Administration.
Avidime recalled meeting Ojodomo just hours before his death, where they exchanged pleasantries.
He described the late lecturer as a dedicated and humble academic committed to excellence.
“The Polytechnic community is mourning the loss of a promising academic and dependable colleague who embodied scholarship, service, and character,” he said.
“Ojodomo’s contributions as Deputy Dean, Student Services, and lecturer were impactful and inspiring.”
Anselm Victory Ojodomo (October 5, 1992 – March 27, 2026) held a Master’s degree from Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, where he had recently defended his PhD proposal.
He joined Kogi State Polytechnic in 2021 and served on several committees.
The polytechnic community commiserated with his family and the people of Igalamela/Odolu, praying for his soul to rest in peace.
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