Members of the House Committee on Basic Examination Bodies at examination centre
House of Representatives says it is considering reviewing the Government Policy that prevent underage students from taking certain exams in Nigeria.
The Chairman House Committee on Basic Examination Bodies Oboku Oforji, stated this in Abuja during the Committee’s Oversight visit to the venue of the ongoing assessment of underage examination for those who performed exceptionally during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.
Mr. Oforji clarified that the policy originated from the Federal Ministry of Education, not JAMB, but assured that the House will review it as part of broader educational reforms.
“The issue of age limit is not JAMB’s decision; it’s a government policy. JAMB is only implementing what the Ministry of Education has approved. However, we will look into it and, if the need arises, take the necessary legislative steps,”
The Committee Chairman who pledged the House’s continued support for JAMB and other examination bodies across the country to enable them discharge their mandates, commended the exceptional performance of the young candidates participating in the examination.
“We are very proud of these children, and I know JAMB is equally proud of them. About 176 students across the country are taking this exam, which shows that Nigeria is competing favourably in education with other countries in Africa,”
He lauded JAMB for its efforts in maintaining excellence in the conduct of examinations, noting that the achievements recorded by the students reflect the progress being made in Nigeria’s education sector.
“The performance of these underage students shows that our educational system is moving in the right direction. We are very proud of JAMB, and we will continue to support and encourage them to do more”
Mr. Oforji reiterated the Committee’s commitment to supporting all examination bodies in improving standards and promoting merit-based educational advancement in the country
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