ACADEMIC COMPETENCE DIFFERENTIALS BETWEEN 16 YEARS BELOW AND 16 YEARS ABOVE ADMITTED INTO THE UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES OF THE UNIVERSITY IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

S. ‘Tayo Subair ¹

R. Adeola Ibrahim ²

F. B. Bamire ³

Department of Educational Management, Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ^{1, 2, & 3}

Corresponding Email: sosubair@oauife.edu.ng ¹

Abstract

This study examined the influence of admission age on the academic competence of first-year university students in Osun State, Nigeria. The objective was to determine whether significant academic competence differences exist between students admitted below the age of 16 and those admitted at 16 years and above. A descriptive survey design was employed. The population comprised first-year students from Obafemi Awolowo University and Osun State University. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample of 382 students was selected through simple random and convenience sampling across six faculties. The Academic Competence and Admission Age Questionnaire (ACAA-Q) was used for data collection. Instrument validity was ensured through expert judgment, while the reliability coefficient obtained via Cronbach’s alpha was 0.83. Findings indicated that academic competence among students varied across performance classifications, with many demonstrating high academic achievement. However, no significant differences were observed in academic competence between those admitted below 16 years and those admitted at 16 or above, suggesting that age at entry does not independently predict academic success. Based on these findings, the study recommended that even though academic capability is essential, universities are advised to adhere to the stipulated admission age by regulatory bodies, as readiness for higher education is also tied to developmental maturity and Parents should be discouraged from encouraging class-skipping, as intellectual and emotional maturity often associated with age enhances students’ academic performance at the university level.

Keywords: Academic Competence, Admission, Undergraduates. Universities.