The Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has cautioned tertiary institutions, particularly universities, against admitting underage students, describing it as “illegal” and “irregular.”
Oloyede made this assertion at the seventh biennial conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria, themed “Effective University Governance: Role of Stakeholders.”
Oloyede recounted a recent incident where a 15-year-old student applied for postgraduate studies in a European country, prompting questions about the validity of their graduation from a Nigerian university. He emphasized the need for accountability, data protection, and integrity in the education system, urging state-owned universities to take action against illegal admissions.
Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to the President, encouraged pro-chancellors to develop strategies to make their institutions competitive and attractive, while Sen. Joshua Lidani, Chairman of COPSUN, highlighted the various challenges facing the university system, including corrupt practices, inadequate funding, and incessant strike actions.
The conference aimed to raise public awareness and promote good governance, standards, and quality in tertiary education.
