16- year threshold for university admission appropriate, says Education Consultant
By Adewale Owoade
An Education Consultant, Dr Nelson Ayodele, has stated that 16 years is not too early, rather appropriate for a child to gain admission into a tertiary institution in Nigeria.
He said this during the 9th Annual lecture and award ceremony in commemoration of Abadina College Old Students Association (ACOSA) 48th anniversary in Ibadan with the theme: “Academy Readiness vs Age: Unpacking Nigeria’s University Admission Policy.”
According to him, he supports the federal government’s recent affirmation of 16 years as the general threshold for entry into Nigerian tertiary institutions for the 2025/2026 cycle.
Ayodele, who is also the guest speaker at the event, advised parents to avoid raising children through a “microwave” education system.
“We must maintain a baseline age safeguard: We should retain the 16 years as the minimum entry age for Nigerian universities.
“We should also introduce Readiness-Based Exceptions: Allow academically gifted students below 16 years to apply through a special admission pathway.
“Nigerian Universities admission reflects a deeper question about what higher education should prioritise; protection or potential.
” Age thresholds provide safeguards, but readiness provides opportunity. A hybrid framework that blends both approaches offers a fair, inclusive, and future oriented solution.
“Ultimately, the real question is not whether a student is old enough, but whether a student is ready enough. The shift in focus will strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to protect its students, harness its brightest minds, and advance its national development agenda.
“In this way, Nigeria can move beyond oscillating debate and adopt evidence-based admissions policy that prepares its students for academic success, personal growth, and national development,” Ayodele said.
Also, a Professor of Industrial Education and Training in the Department of Adult Education, University of Ibadan,
Prof. Kehinde Kester identified parents being in a hurry to push their children into the university as one of the problems.
“The parents will always say that the child is supper brilliant, they will allow him/her to jump class, this is also where we have a problem.”
Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola appreciated the alumni of the school for their contributions towards the development of the school.
Olayiwola, represented by the Local Inspector of Education, Ibadan North, Adewusi Akorede, said that the state government was ready to transform and reposition the education sector in the state.
“Let me inform you that the present administration under the leadership of the Governor, Seyi Makinde (FNSE) is ever-ready to transform and reposition the state’s education sector
“As government and promoter of quality education, we have put in place measures to track the development of education. On behalf of the government, I wish to seek the cooperation and collaboration of education stakeholders in this regard.
In his welcome address, the President, ACOSA National Executive Committee, Andrew Oshiomogho, said that the annual event was to award the current students of Abadina College, who excelled academically.
” In recent years it evolved to an avenue to honour members of the public for their tenacious and ingrained impacts in the society.
“It also allows for discussion on topical issues along the academic terrain and other pressing matters.
” This year’s event also aligns with the recent government policy on education at the Tertiary level as it discusses age restriction into the various tertiary institutions in Nigeria,” he said.
Highlight of the event was a presentation of 370,000 niara Cash Prize to Kareem Olagunju, who emerged as the best student in JAMB, Further Maths, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry (NAN)
