Chinaemere Opara, a 15-year-old Senior Secondary School (SS2) student, has taken a bold step by filing a lawsuit against the Federal Ministry of Education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and the National Universities Commission (NUC) over their recently introduced admission policy. The new policy sets a minimum age requirement for university admission, which Opara argues is discriminatory and unconstitutional.
The lawsuit was filed on Opara’s behalf by his guardian, Mr. Maxwell Opara, who is both his father and a lawyer. The case, registered as FHC/ABJ/CS/1512/2024, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on October 14, 2024. In the suit, the student challenges the age restriction policy, naming the Ministry of Education, JAMB, and NUC as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respondents, respectively.
Claims and Reliefs Sought
In the lawsuit, Opara makes six key demands. First, he is seeking a declaration from the court that the minimum age requirement for university admission imposed by the respondents is unconstitutional. He argues that the policy violates his right to freedom of expression, as protected by Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and several articles of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
Opara contends that the policy discriminates against younger students, limiting their ability to pursue higher education based solely on age. He asserts that this restriction infringes upon his right to peaceful assembly and association, arguing that no policy should limit when a student can take examinations like the West African Examination Council (WAEC) or JAMB based on age.
Furthermore, Opara claims the policy violates his right to equal access to public services, which is guaranteed by Article 13 of the African Charter. He has called for an injunction to prevent the Ministry of Education, JAMB, and NUC from enforcing this policy and interfering with his educational pursuits. In addition, he seeks an order to permanently set aside the policy.
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Impact of the Case
This case highlights the growing debate around age-based restrictions in Nigeria’s educational system. As more students advance academically at younger ages, policies like these can significantly impact their access to higher education. If the court rules in Opara’s favor, it could lead to a major shift in the admission policies of Nigerian universities, making it easier for younger students to pursue higher education.
The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it could set a legal precedent for other students in similar situations. It also raises broader questions about the fairness and constitutionality of age-based regulations in Nigeria’s education system. For now, Opara’s case stands as a strong challenge to a policy that has the potential to affect thousands of students across the country.
