A 94-year-old Nigerian man, Adedapo Idowu, has taken a significant step towards fulfilling his long-held ambition by registering for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). His inspiring journey was highlighted in the latest bulletin of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), where he shared his enthusiasm about finally pursuing higher education despite his advanced age.
Expressing his joy, Idowu stated that enrolling for the UTME at this stage in life has rekindled his dream of acquiring a tertiary education. He described the registration process as seamless and praised JAMB for incorporating the National Identity Number (NIN) into the system. According to him, this integration has helped to foster inclusivity by eliminating age discrimination and ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds, including the elderly, the underprivileged, and persons with disabilities, have equal opportunities.
Idowu also commended the registration staff for their welcoming attitude, which made him feel valued and encouraged. He urged JAMB to maintain its efficient registration procedures, emphasizing the importance of a hassle-free experience for all candidates. Confident in his ability to perform well in the examination, he remains optimistic about achieving his academic goals.
Additionally, he offered words of wisdom to other UTME candidates, advising them to approach their academic pursuits with professionalism and contentment. His story serves as a testament to the idea that education has no age limit and that lifelong learning remains an achievable goal for those determined to pursue it.
Meanwhile, the 2025 UTME registration, which commenced on January 31, has already seen a significant turnout. According to JAMB, more than 700,000 candidates have registered so far, including approximately 11,000 underage applicants. Idowu’s participation in the examination underscores the diversity of aspirants and the growing accessibility of tertiary education in Nigeria.
New Credit: PUNCH
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