Why Ban Young Geniuses? The Story of a 17-Year-Old PhD and Nigeria’s New University Admission Rule
Dr. Enoch Adewunmi Oyeduntan, Ph.D, MCIPR
Ladies and gentlemen, the Federal Ministry of Education’s proposal to ban under-18 students from gaining university admission, regardless of their qualifications, is a classic case of shooting oneself in the foot. In a country where we celebrate brilliance and tenacity, this move is akin to using Garri to fry yam. Let’s take a page from the inspiring journey of Dorothy Jean Tillman II, a shining example of why age should never be a barrier to education.
Dorothy Jean Tillman, affectionately known as “Dorothy Jeanius,” began her higher education journey at the tender age of 10. At an age when many of us were still figuring out how to play ten-ten, Dorothy was already diving into college-level coursework. By the time she was 17, she had earned an associate’s, bachelors, and master’s degree, and recently defended her doctoral dissertation in integrated behavioural health at Arizona State University.
Imagine if Dorothy had been subjected to age restrictions. Her remarkable talents might have been stifled, her potential unrealized. In Nigeria, where we pride ourselves on recognizing and nurturing talent, why should we clip the wings of our young eagles? Dorothy’s journey was supported by her mother, who home-schooled her and enrolled her in college classes early, proving that with the right support system, even the sky isn’t the limit.
As Chinua Achebe once said, “The world is like a mask dancing. If you want to see it well, you do not stand in one place.” Our educational policies must not stand still but should evolve to recognize and nurture extraordinary talents, irrespective of age.
The recent directive from the Federal Ministry of Education, as stated by Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman, sets 18 years as the minimum age for university entry. He argued that younger students, pushed by parental pressure, are often not mature enough to handle the transition to university life, which moves from a controlled to an uncontrolled environment. This policy aims to ensure that students are better prepared for the responsibilities of higher education.
Dorothy’s achievements underscore a vital truth: brilliance and readiness should be the metrics for educational advancement, not age. We must foster an environment where our young geniuses can thrive, just as Dorothy did. Her story is not just an American dream; it’s a universal testament to what can be achieved when potential is given the freedom to flourish.
The late sage Obafemi Awolowo aptly noted, “The children of the poor you failed to train will never let your children live in peace.” By denying young, talented students the opportunity to advance, we risk stifling the very minds that could propel our nation forward.
Moreover, Dorothy’s success isn’t an isolated case. History is replete with examples of young prodigies who, when given the chance, have gone on to make significant contributions to society. From Blaise Pascal, who developed early versions of the calculator as a teenager, to Malala Yousafzai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize at 17, the narrative is clear: age is but a number.
Nnamdi Azikiwe once proclaimed, “Originality is the essence of true scholarship. Creativity is the soul of the true scholar.” Dorothy’s journey embodies this spirit of originality and creativity. Her early start in college, her subsequent academic achievements, and her entrepreneurial ventures in STEAM education are testaments to the boundless potential that exists when age is not a barrier.
It is a great saying among the Yorùbás that “Omodé gbón, Àgbà gbón, l’afi dá Ilé-ifè,” meaning “It was with both the wisdom of the young and the old that the city of Ife was built.” This adage underscores the importance of valuing and integrating the contributions of both the young and the old. Just as Ilé-Ifè thrived by harnessing the wisdom of all ages, our educational system should also embrace and nurture the potential of our young prodigies.
In conclusion, let us not stifle the flames of brilliance with the wet blanket of age restrictions. Let’s create pathways for our young geniuses to shine, for in their success lies the future greatness of our nation. Nigeria, let’s not fry yam with Garri. Instead, let’s celebrate and support our prodigies, allowing them to soar to unimaginable heights.
