The Executive Secretary of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede, expressed appreciation for Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, for its commitment to mentorship and academic excellence in securing the university's future.
Professor Oloyede also advised parents of prospective university students against falsifying their children's ages to meet the 18-year minimum age requirement for admission.
He cautioned that such actions could expose the children to corruption and criminal activities.
During the Academic and Research Excellence Award presentation to Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN) by Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Professor Oloyede, the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, emphasized the importance of universities promoting and rewarding excellence, scholarly pursuits, and academic research to fulfill their role as centers of learning.
He remarked that recognizing and celebrating individuals like Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali and the university's scholars underscores the university's commitment to promoting scholarship and excellence, thereby paving the way for future development.
Regarding the age limit for university admission, Professor Oloyede clarified that the minimum age for admission this year is 16, not 18. He urged stakeholders to address the underlying issues rather than resorting to shortcuts, stressing the importance of upholding academic standards and respecting students' biological readiness for higher education.
In conclusion, he emphasized the significance of adhering to the age requirement for university admission, highlighting that admitting underage students can subject them to undue pressure and hinder their holistic development.