JAMB: No admission for under 16-year-old student, says UNIMED

The University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo State, has disclosed that the decision not to admit under-16-year-old admission seekers into the institution was not its policy but that of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

While imploring the public to ignore the rumours making the rounds that the institution had been deliberately turning back students not up to 16 years old, UNIMED, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Isaac Oluyi, stated that the institution is bound to adhere to the directive of JAMB.

A few days ago, some parents alleged that it was being discriminatory in its admission process by suddenly instituting a policy to deny admission to candidates less than 16 years of age.

According to Oluyi, “Our attention has been drawn to a rumour flying around and the news carried by some news outlets that the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, is refusing to screen intended students who are under 16 years of age.

“This is not the true situation. It is a concocted story based on ignorance and/or mischief and aimed at creating confusion in the public domain and/or unnecessarily embarrassing or blackmailing the institution.

“We do not tolerate admission racketeering nor use liaison offices or external individuals for our admission process. Admission to UNIMED is strictly by merit and in line with existing laws and regulations from relevant regulatory bodies like JAMB.

“Again, we hereby reiterate that the 16-year minimum age limit is the national directive from JAMB to all universities in Nigeria and not a specific policy of our university.

“We, therefore, enjoin the public to ignore any narrative that seeks to paint a negative picture of UNIMED being discriminatory in its admission or suddenly instituting a policy to deny admission to candidates less than 16 years of age.

“UNIMED is a law-abiding institution that does not cut corners and will continue to comply with the directives of JAMB and other regulatory bodies on admission and other operational issues at all times. Please note again that the 16-year age limit is not our making but a national directive from JAMB.

“The Vice-Chancellor and other relevant university officials are willing to provide additional information as may be required to enlighten the public further.”