94-Year-Old Adedapo Idowu Defies Age Barriers, Registers for 2025 UTME to Pursue Lifelong University Dream
His remarkable journey was spotlighted in the latest bulletin by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), inspiring candidates nationwide.
Okoro David Emeka 
At 94 years old, Adedapo Idowu has become an emblem of perseverance after enrolling for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), determined to secure admission into a Nigerian university and fulfill a lifelong academic aspiration. His remarkable journey was spotlighted in the latest bulletin by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), inspiring candidates nationwide.
Idowu, radiating enthusiasm, described his registration experience as “seamless,” applauding JAMB’s integration of the National Identity Number (NIN) to streamline the process. “The NIN system has ended biases against the elderly, less privileged, and persons with disabilities. I felt respected and valued throughout,” he said, lauding the supportive staff at the registration center.
The nonagenarian, now a symbol of lifelong learning, urged fellow UTME candidates to prioritize diligence and integrity. “Education is not just about certificates but about purpose and passion. Stay focused, shun shortcuts, and embrace contentment,” he advised, expressing optimism about acing the exam.
Idowu’s registration coincides with JAMB’s announcement of over 700,000 candidates registered for the 2025 UTME since the exercise began on January 31. This figure includes 11,000 underage applicants, a trend JAMB recently flagged as concerning. However, Idowu’s story has shifted focus to the inclusivity of this year’s process, with the registrar praising technological upgrades for improving accessibility.
Idowu’s quest for a degree at 94 defies societal norms about age and education. “It’s never too late to learn. My dream was delayed, not denied,” he declared, resonating with Nigerians advocating for ageless opportunities in academia. His journey underscores JAMB’s evolving framework, which now accommodates diverse demographics through policy reforms like mandatory NIN linkage.
As Idowu prepares for the UTME, his story has ignited conversations about Nigeria’s educational inclusivity and the transformative power of determination. JAMB, while yet to comment directly on his case, reaffirmed its commitment to equitable access for all candidates.
The 2025 UTME is scheduled to hold later this year, with Idowu poised to make history as one of Nigeria’s oldest-ever exam candidates.
