EDUCATION POLICY: SHOULD AGE OR ACADEMIC MERIT DETERMINE UNIVERSITY ADMISSION.

Education Policy: Should Age or Academic Merit determine University Admission by Magna Abioye Divine-Mercy Olaitan.

 The burning question "Should Age or Academic merit determine university admission" raises fundamental concerns about fairness, equality, the purpose of education and sparks intense discussion among educators, policymakers, stakeholders etc. which would be properly delved into in this essay. 

 Education according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is defined as processes by which societies deliberately transmit their accumulated information, knowledge, understanding, attitudes, values, skills, competencies and behaviours across generations. Education is broadly categorized into two main types, the formal education with structured learning in institutions like schools, colleges, universities and the informal education with no structure such as learning through experiences, self-study etc. 

Education is a continuous process vital for personal and societal progress and should be for the well being of everyone regardless of age. University admissions should prioritize academic merit, rejecting the imposition of age limit to the attainment of tertiary education.

Prioritizing academic merit as the determinant for university admission will encourage a merit-based university admission system in Nigeria which will promote fairness and excellence by prioritizing students' academic achievements and readiness, enabling them to progress based on individual's ability rather than age. Students who merit university admission will not be denied due to age-based factors. David Okorogheye, a student of Starfield college, Fagba, Iju, Lagos State who had 9 A's in his WASSCE and obtained an impressive score of 332 in UTME faced the age barrier as he was denied admission from studying medicine in University of Lagos for being 15years. David lost a year as a result, this led to a potential stagnation of his academic progress.

Students being denied university admission due to age restrictions will lead to absence from school and these students may experience delayed cognitive development and reduced academic stimulation. This absenteeism from school can lead to isolation, anxiety and depression in these students to the point that they may become unsociable and feeling less motivated during the period of waiting for admission into the tertiary institutions. Prolonged absence from school according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Bethesda, Maryland, USA, can have significant negative consequences for students' mental health and well-being potentially leading to academic difficulties, social isolation and an increased risk of developing mental health disorders.

Maturity has been raised as a justification for the employment of minimum age policy in dictating university doors. In Nigeria, the former minister of education, Professor Tahir Mamman on 18th July, 2024 announced a blanket ban on students under the age of 18 from enrolling in higher education institutions in the country. He argued that the policy is designed to ensure that students are emotionally and intellectually mature before entering university. During his visit to one of the UTME centres in April, the minister expressed concern that a large number of the candidates were between the ages of 15 and 16 saying: "They are too young to understand what education is all about." The Guardian reported.

The government asserts that students under 18 aren't ready for university life yet it overlooks practices that thrust children into adult roles prematurely such as child marriage prevalent in Northern Nigeria. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has a high child marriage rate with 44% of girls married before 18, totaling over 24 million brides and ranking third globally." Maturity goes beyond age, students' readiness for university life depends on individual development, life experiences, and emotional intelligence not just their age.

The age policy can potentially lead to increased drop out rates causing a back log in the educational system. Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, the newly appointed Minister of Education in Nigeria reversed his predecessor's policy of 18 years. Dr Alausa in his words stated that the policy was detrimental to the federal government's efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.

 The PUNCH editorial board's review of the university admissions age policy highlights potential challenges for secondary school stating that the minimum age policy could impose additional burdens on secondary schools which might face increased pressure to accommodate students for longer periods. This could strain resources and facilities. The curriculum might need significant adjustments to keep older students engaged and adequately prepared for university, requiring additional training for teachers and potential financial investments.

Embracing academic merit in university admissions will enable students reach their full potential. It will positively impact the dreams and aspirations of the younger generation. Exceptional individuals like Stephen A. Baccus who graduated from an American law school at age 16 in 1986 is recognized as one of the youngest lawyers in the world. David Balogun, who began college at a remarkably young age after graduating high school at 9 is pursuing higher education in Computer Science & Information Technology at Southern New Hampshire University, USA.

Nigeria's progress relies heavily on harnessing the potential of its young population. By prioritizing this merit-based approach, universities can cultivate a talent pool that is better equipped to excel in various fields, leading to advancements in science, technology and other sectors ultimately propelling Nigeria's growth and advancement. In today's rapidly evolving, tech-driven world, students are consistently demonstrating academic excellence and intellectual maturity at younger ages. 

The traditional notion that students need to follow a linear progression through education with strict age boundaries is no longer tenable. Many students are now exhibiting advanced cognitive abilities, critical thinking skills and creativity which enable them to excel in academics and other areas. Rigid age restrictions can hinder the advancement of students who are ready and eager to tackle the challenges of higher education potentially stifling their growth, innovation and overall development. Such restrictions can limit opportunities for young students to explore their potential, delay their entry into the workforce and impact their career trajectory.

The age policy, while well-intentioned doesn't account for students' rapid progress in today's fast-paced world. There is the urgent need to adapt our educational policies accordingly to support students who are excelling at younger ages and provide them with opportunities tailored to their abilities. It is now evidently clear that a merit-based system is the key to unlocking students potentials. This approach fosters a more inclusive, equitable, and effective education system, empowering students to reach their full potential and driving progress, innovation and national development.