A Progressive Shift in Nigeria’s Education Policy

The recent decision by JAMB to allow candidates under 16 to be considered for tertiary education admission under strict conditions reflects a forward-thinking approach to educational policy in Nigeria. While the standard age remains 16, candidates who achieve an outstanding UTME score of 320 or above will now have the opportunity to prove their academic capability. This shift, supported by Minister of Education Olatunji Alausa and JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, recognizes the existence of gifted students who should not be held back by rigid age restrictions.

Prof. Ishaq Oloyede: A Leader in Modern Educational Reform

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, deserves commendation for spearheading this progressive reform. During a recent meeting with key education stakeholders, including Chief External Examiners, Chief Technical Advisors, and members of the Equal Opportunity Group, Oloyede confirmed the new policy and its rationale. He emphasized that while the 16-year benchmark remains the standard, candidates under this age may be considered under strict conditions if they demonstrate exceptional academic ability. His balanced approach acknowledges the importance of maturity in higher education while ensuring that truly gifted students are given the opportunity to excel.

The Failure of Former Minister Tahir Mamman’s Rigid Age Policy

The decision follows the recent reversal of the mandatory 18-year admission age policy introduced by former Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman. His policy, rather than being a strategic educational reform, was an outdated, rigid barrier to progress that ignored the realities of intellectual diversity. It failed to account for the existence of young prodigies whose cognitive development and academic prowess surpass those of their peers. Instead of fostering an environment where merit and excellence determine educational progression, Mamman’s policy shackled Nigeria’s most brilliant minds to an arbitrary number.

What If America Had Followed Tahir Mamman’s Backward Policy?

Had America followed such a backward, anti-meritocratic approach, a talent like Moro Ojomo might never have emerged. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Ojomo moved to the U.S. at the age of eight and, by 16, had enrolled at the University of Texas. If the American education system had imposed the same rigid age restrictions that Mamman championed, Ojomo’s development—both academically and athletically—could have been halted before it even began. Instead, the United States recognized his talent, allowing him to thrive in a system that values ability over bureaucracy.

Moro Ojomo: A Testament to the Power of Early Recognition

Ojomo’s success is proof that rigid policies like Mamman’s do more harm than good. He redshirted as a freshman but played in three late-season games, showing that he was more than ready despite his young age. He was a four-time first-team Academic All-Big 12 honoree, proving that intelligence and discipline can flourish when given the right opportunity. By his fifth-year senior season, he had recorded career highs with 32 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks before declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft. Over five seasons, he played in 50 games, accumulating 95 tackles and five sacks. His intelligence on the field is so pronounced that some say he predicts plays before they happen.

Most recently, Ojomo was part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ historic Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. This moment was a culmination of years of dedication, discipline, and—most importantly—an education system that did not stifle his potential with bureaucratic restrictions. Had America followed the regressive thinking of Nigeria’s former Minister of Education, Ojomo’s name might never have been known beyond Lagos. His dream, like those of many talented Nigerians, would have been buried under the weight of an archaic policy.

A Wake-Up Call for Nigeria: Stop Suppressing Talent

This is the stark lesson for Nigeria: If the country continues to allow individuals like Tahir Mamman to dictate rigid, outdated policies, it will continue to stifle its brightest minds. Nigeria cannot afford to be a nation that actively suppresses its own future. The education system must be designed to elevate talent, not restrict it.

Prof. Oloyede’s leadership in ensuring that JAMB remains adaptable and responsive to academic excellence deserves praise. His stance reflects modern educational thinking, where policies must be flexible enough to accommodate outstanding students who defy conventional timelines. By introducing a performance-based exception rather than a blanket rule, Oloyede has struck a balance between structure and opportunity. He understands that intelligence and readiness should determine eligibility, not an arbitrary age threshold that ignores real-world diversity in learning ability.

A Call for Systemic Educational Reform in Nigeria

The decision by JAMB signals a progressive shift, one that should be further strengthened by institutional frameworks that support young, high-achieving students. Nigeria has many gifted individuals, and by recognizing them early, the country can cultivate a new generation of scholars, innovators, and professionals who will contribute significantly to national and global development. If America had taken the same outdated approach as Tahir Mamman, talents like Moro Ojomo might have been lost. It is time for Nigeria to fully embrace meritocracy and stop letting bureaucratic rigidity stifle its best and brightest minds.

Nations That Prioritize Talent Thrive—Nigeria Must Follow Suit

The reversal of Mamman’s policy should be seen not just as a victory for educational reform, but as an urgent signal that Nigeria must rethink the way it approaches talent development. Countries that excel prioritize talent and create pathways for success. Nigeria, with its abundance of gifted individuals, must not allow outdated policies to stand in the way of greatness.

Morotoluwa Ojomo is living proof of what is possible when talent is nurtured rather than suppressed. The future belongs to nations that recognize, support, and empower their best and brightest. Nigeria must choose to be one of them. Bureaucracy must no longer be a weapon against progress. Instead, Nigeria must build a system where the exceptional are recognized, supported, and propelled toward success—not trapped by arbitrary barriers.