Tinubu’s New JAMB Age Limit Policy Sparks Controversy: Atiku Abubakar Leads Opposition
NECO, WAEC Exams Ban For Under-18s Absurd, Atiku Blasts FG
The Nigerian government recently announced a new policy setting the minimum age for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, which is required for entry into tertiary institutions, at 18 years and above. This decision has sparked widespread criticism, particularly from Atiku Abubakar, a prominent opposition figure and former Vice President, who ran against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the last election.
In a series of tweets, Atiku Abubakar vehemently condemned the new policy, describing it as regressive and a major setback for educational development in Nigeria. He labeled the decision as one that “belongs in the Stone Ages,” reflecting his strong disapproval and urging a reassessment of what he sees as an anti-education policy.
Atiku Abubakar’s Critique of the Policy
Atiku Abubakar’s response to the new policy was swift and unequivocal. In his statement on Twitter, he criticized the Federal Ministry of Education’s decision, calling it “an absurdity and a disincentive to scholarship.” According to Abubakar, the policy is not only outdated but also misaligned with the educational and intellectual goals of the nation.
He argued that the policy undermines the principle of federalism in Nigeria by encroaching on the autonomy of state governments in educational matters. Atiku pointed out that the Nigerian constitution places education on the concurrent list, allowing state governments more authority over education than the federal government. “Therefore, it is extra-constitutional for the federal government to legislate on education in a manner similar to a decree,” he wrote.
Federalism and the Overreach of the Federal Government
Atiku’s remarks highlight a crucial debate about the delineation of responsibilities in Nigeria’s federal system. The decision to set a national age limit for JAMB raises questions about the federal government’s role versus that of the states in regulating education. In a true federalist structure, states would have the autonomy to establish their own policies and regulations for education, including admission criteria for tertiary institutions.
“The best global standard for such regulation is to allow the sub-national governments to make respective laws or rules on education,” Atiku argued. He suggested that Nigeria should learn from best practices worldwide, where local or regional authorities often set education policies that are better suited to their unique demographics and needs.
Concerns About the Exclusion of Gifted Students
Atiku further criticized the government’s announcement that it has no plans to cater to “specially gifted pupils” under the new policy. He described this as an embarrassment to the academic community in Nigeria, stating that it portrays the country as one that does not value its intellectually gifted youth. Atiku emphasized that a forward-thinking government should prioritize identifying and supporting gifted students, regardless of their age, rather than implementing a blanket age restriction.
“The irony here is that should the federal government play any role in education, it is to set up mechanisms that will identify and grant scholarships to gifted students not minding their ages before applying for admission into tertiary institutions,” Atiku said. His statement suggests that the policy could potentially stifle talent development and limit access to education for exceptional young students.
The Broader Implications of the Age Limit Policy
The new age limit policy for JAMB examinations has raised concerns beyond just the realm of educational policy. Critics argue that it could have far-reaching consequences on Nigeria’s socio-economic development. By limiting access to higher education based on age, the government may inadvertently discourage young talents who could otherwise contribute significantly to the nation’s intellectual and economic growth.
Moreover, the policy could be seen as part of a broader trend of centralization under President Tinubu’s administration. Atiku’s reference to the government “behaving like a lost sailor on a high sea” reflects a growing sentiment among critics that the government lacks direction in its policy-making approach, particularly concerning education and other key sectors.
Reactions from the Public and Other Stakeholders
Atiku’s strong condemnation of the new policy has resonated with many Nigerians, particularly young people and educators, who see it as an infringement on educational freedom. Social media has been flooded with reactions, with many users echoing Atiku’s sentiments and calling for the policy to be reconsidered. Educational stakeholders, including teachers’ unions and student associations, have also voiced their concerns, urging the government to prioritize policies that expand rather than restrict access to education.
Several education experts have also weighed in on the debate, suggesting that the government should focus on addressing the more pressing issues within the educational sector, such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a lack of qualified teachers, rather than imposing restrictive age limits.
Government’s Position and Justification
Despite the backlash, the Federal Ministry of Education has defended the policy, arguing that it is intended to ensure that students entering tertiary institutions are mature enough to handle the rigors of higher education. The government claims that the policy aligns with global practices and aims to standardize the admission process across the country. However, the absence of provisions for gifted students has remained a sticking point for many critics, who see it as a significant oversight.
A Call for Reconsideration
The controversy surrounding the new JAMB age limit policy highlights the complexities of educational governance in Nigeria. While the government maintains that the policy is in the best interest of the nation’s educational system, critics like Atiku Abubakar argue that it is counterproductive and undermines the principles of federalism and intellectual freedom.
The debate underscores the need for a more inclusive and consultative approach to policymaking, particularly in a sector as crucial as education. As calls for a review of the policy grow louder, it remains to be seen whether the Tinubu administration will heed these calls and adjust its approach to better align with the aspirations of Nigeria’s diverse educational community.
