The Delta State High Court in Warri has issued an interim injunction on Friday, preventing the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) from implementing the directives outlined in its October 16, 2024 circular titled "Admission of Candidates With Minimum Admissible Age of 16 Years." This injunction will remain in effect until the hearing and resolution of an originating motion.
Justice A.O. Akpovi, who presided over Suit No. W/311/FHR/2024, granted this order. The judge clarified that the interim measures mean that JAMB's communication to vice-chancellors, provosts, and rectors is currently suspended, halting the execution of the specified directives.
Justice Akpovi also stated that the admission list prior to the issuance of the circular should be maintained as the status quo until the hearing of the originating motion, which was filed on October 24, 2024. The court has scheduled an expedited hearing, with the case set for adjournment on October 31, November 8 and 21, and December 4, 2024.
The action was initiated by John Aikpokpo-Martins, the 1st Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, representing candidates born between September 1, 2009, and December 31, 2009, who successfully completed the JAMB examination in 2024. The legal representative contended that these candidates are being unfairly denied admission solely because they will not be 16 years old by August 31, 2025, despite fulfilling all other admission requirements.