We the undersigned, call on all relevant authorities to allow all under-aged candidates who have passed JAMB excellently to be given admission—regardless of age. Every citizen of Nigeria is constitutionally entitled to equal rights and opportunities, especially as stated in Section 42, which strictly prohibits discrimination against any Nigerian. Denying students under 16 years access to higher education is not just unfair, it is unconstitutional. These students deserve the same rights as citizens above 16 or 17 years.

We firmly condemn JAMB’s ongoing refusal to admit these brilliant young Nigerians simply because of age. The imposed 320 cut-off for under-aged candidates is equally unjust and does not reflect a student’s true abilities. Scoring less than 320 does not mean any candidate has less intelligence or potential to succeed.

Look at global examples: as of July twenty twenty-five, the UK is set to allow sixteen-year-olds to participate in their elections, giving them a voice in national decisions (THE GUARDIAN NIGERIA WHATSAPP CHANNEL 17-07-2025 (2:10pm). If sixteen-year-olds are being trusted to decide a nation’s political future, then why are capable, diligent under-aged Nigerian students excluded from our own educational system? Our youths deserve to participate from the ground up, right from scratch.

Allowing motivated students early access to higher education will, over time, promote greater national development and economic progress. The earlier our brightest minds begin their journey, the sooner they can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s growth.

While we commend JAMB for its unwavering fight against examination malpractice and its dedication to upholding decency in our universities, we cannot ignore the harm caused by these exclusionary age policies. Excellence, merit, and hard work must be the standard, not arbitrary barriers.

Let every qualified and hardworking student in Nigeria have a fair and equal shot at their future!