The Delta State High Court in Warri has temporarily halted the implementation of JAMB’s new policy, which sets the minimum admissible age for university admission at 16 years. This decision was made in response to a lawsuit filed by John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former Nigerian Bar Association chairman from Warri, on behalf of candidates born between September 1, 2009, and December 31, 2009, who passed the JAMB exams in 2024 ¹.
The court’s ruling, granted by Justice Anthony Akpovi, confirms that all reliefs sought by the applicant have been granted. This means that JAMB and associated institutions are restrained from enforcing the new age requirement until the underlying motion is decided. The court order also protects the rights and privileges of affected students, including Angel Aikpokpo Martins, and prevents them from being restricted from accessing educational facilities ¹.
The lawsuit, marked W/311/FHR/2021, names JAMB and Edwin Clark University as the 1st and 2nd respondents, respectively. The court’s decision is a significant development in the case, as it puts the new age requirement on hold and maintains the status quo until the hearing of the originating motion ¹.
In his ruling, Justice Olotu stated that the reliefs granted aim to preserve and protect the rights of affected students, ensuring that they remain duly admitted to Nigerian universities, including Edwin Clark University. The court also granted substituted service by courier service and accelerated hearing ¹.
This development highlights the ongoing debate surrounding JAMB’s new policy and its potential impact on students and universities. The case is ongoing, and the outcome will likely have significant implications for the education sector in Nigeria.
