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AGE LIMIT: NIPR THROWS ITS WEIGHT BEHIND FG, JAMB
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has expressed strong support for the Federal Government’s directive to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to enforce the minimum age requirement of 18 years for admission into tertiary institutions. The NIPR emphasized that this policy, which has long been part of the regulations, is the right approach and urged JAMB to rigorously enforce it.
Dr. Ike Neliaku, President and Chairman of the NIPR Council, made these remarks on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, during a courtesy visit to JAMB’s National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, leading a 15-member delegation. He highlighted that the policy aligns with existing regulations that set 18 years as the ideal age for university entry, allowing students to experience a more tailored and rewarding educational journey. This age requirement is intended to help new students mature, better preparing them to face the challenges that could significantly impact their career development.
“Please pursue this policy. We know some parents are critical of it, but even if their children graduate with first-class honors, they do so without the maturity needed. The 6-3-3-4 system is the way forward, and you are helping us produce more mature graduates,” Dr. Neliaku stated.
During the visit, the NIPR Chairman also announced plans to establish a Public Relations University to address gaps in leadership communication and to equip both aspiring and experienced professionals with the skills necessary for effective reputation management.
Dr. Neliaku praised JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, for his remarkable achievements at JAMB and his contributions to the broader educational sector. He described Oloyede as “a man of vision and impeccable character, dedicated to improving the education sector and consistently doing the right thing.”
He further emphasized that public relations is crucial in reputation building and managing public perception, which is essential for nation-building. Dr. Neliaku noted JAMB’s high standards of professionalism in utilizing public relations personnel and stressed that all practitioners must be licensed, warning that unlicensed practice violates the law.
The NIPR also identified areas for partnership with JAMB, including positioning the Board as one of six federal organizations selected for an organizational perception survey.
In response, JAMB’s Registrar praised the NIPR’s achievements over the years and pledged support for the proposed Public Relations University and other initiatives of the Institute. He also clarified that the choice of institutions, programs, and examination venues is entirely up to the candidates, and JAMB does not impose these choices.
The Registrar expressed concern over the low enrollment in programs such as education and agricultural sciences, noting that no nation can progress without quality teachers. He pointed out that less than 30% of available spaces in colleges of education are being filled, despite the availability of slots.
The NIPR is a professional body for qualified public relations practitioners in Nigeria, established to promote and develop the practice of public relations.
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