The Delta State High Court sitting in Warri has ordered Nigerian universities to admit all 2024 candidates who passed the Unified Matriculation Examination (UTME), especially those expected to turn 16 years between the 1st September 2025 and December 31, 2025.

The court ordered universities to allow students to resume their studies immediately pending the decision on a case before it.

The Court presided over by Justice AO Akpovi, in Case No. W/311/FH, made the order on Friday, emphasizing that all universities in Nigeria are affected and bound by the order.

The order had restrained the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, from taking further action and/or giving effect to the directives contained in its circular dated October 16, 2024, titled “Admission of Candidates of Minimum Age of ‘eligibility of 16 years’. pending the hearing and decision on a motion to initiate proceedings.

In Proceeding No: W/311/FHR/2024 between John O. Aikpokpo-Martins and JAMB as the first respondent and Edwin Clark University as the second respondent, Aikpokpo-Martins appeared in person while O. Mohammed SAN, with SP Siketi, appeared. for JAMB.

Dr Wahab Oyedekun, Legal Director, also represented JAMB while A Bekeredemo also appeared for Edwin Clark University.

John Aikpokpo-Martins informed the court that there were numerous proceedings before him, including the application for committal of the Registrar of JAMB and the Registrar of Edwin Clark University for disobeying court orders issued on 24/10 /2024.

O. Aikpokpo-Martins wanted to move the said request for incarceration

The other lawyers objected vehemently and argued that hearing their motions that the court lacked jurisdiction over the case should be heard first.

At this stage, the court asked Dr. Wahab Oyedekun, Director of Legal JAMB, to explain the intention behind their notice dated 16/10/2024, which he did.

Dr Wahab also agreed that they were not opposed to an alternative amicable solution, while JO Aikpokpo-Martins was also not opposed to the ADR option.

He suggested that the Minister of Education hold an emergency meeting with JAMB and other stakeholders and explore Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) on this issue as it has wide implications for many Nigerians, especially the candidates represented by John Aikpokpo-Martins and education policy. of the government.

Counsel for JAMB acknowledged that the interim orders made on 24/10/2024 must be respected and informed the court that in light of the order made on 24/10/2024, he has issued a circular to all university vice-chancellors. to inform them that JAMB has withdrawn the said circular dated 16/10/2024 pending the decision of the case.

JO Aikpokpo-Martins’ application to join Delta State University, Abraka, Delta University, Agbor and Admiralty University, Ibusa as 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants in this case has been granted.

Accordingly, the matter was adjourned to the remaining dates of 21/11/2024 and 4/12/2024 for hearing and/or ADR report.