15-Year-Old Chinaemere Opara Sues Nigerian Education Ministry and JAMB Over University Admission Age Limit

15-year-old Chinaemere Opara has sued Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and the National Universities Commission (NUC) over a new policy that restricts university admissions to candidates aged 18 and older. The lawsuit, filed on October 14, 2024, challenges the constitutionality of the age limit, advocating for equal access to education for all students.

The contentious policy was announced by Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman in July, stating that beginning in 2025, candidates under 18 would be barred from taking the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), a prerequisite for university admission. This announcement sparked heated debates among education stakeholders and parents, leading to a subsequent policy revision allowing 16-year-olds to gain admission this year.

However, Opara's lawsuit, filed through his father, Mr. Maxwell Opara, seeks to challenge the fundamental validity of the age restriction. The case, lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja, argues that the policy is discriminatory and unconstitutional, violating the rights to education and freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.

In the originating motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1512/2024, Chinaemere contends that the age restriction hinders his ability to make choices regarding his education, particularly regarding his upcoming WAEC and JAMB examinations. He is seeking declarations that the policy infringes upon his rights and is requesting a perpetual injunction to prevent the Ministry of Education and related bodies from enforcing the restriction.

Mr. Opara's affidavit underscores the negative impact of the age restriction on his son's academic aspirations. Chinaemere aims to pursue a six-year degree in Medicine and Surgery, followed by a compulsory year of medical service. He believes that the policy undermines his right to education based on his academic capabilities rather than his age.

As of now, the case awaits assignment to a judge, and its outcome could have significant ramifications for Nigeria's educational landscape. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, acknowledged the lawsuit but emphasized that discussions on the admission age are ongoing, suggesting potential revisions to the policy in response to public feedback.

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