The federal government has pegged the minimum age for tertiary school admissions at 16 years.
The minister of education, Tunji Alausa announced this on Tuesday at the 2025 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) which held in Abuja.
Alausa said Nigeria has officially adopted 16 as the minimum age for tertiary school admissions.
The minister said, “The issue of age at entry into tertiary institutions has generated much debate, but our position is clear.
“The entry age for admission into tertiary institutions is now officially pegged at 16 years.
“It was reduced from 18, which was to be effective from this year’s exercise, to the need for this compliance.
“This policy decision reflects a balance between cognitive maturity and academic preparedness.
“Sixteen years of age for admission is non-negotiable. Institutions are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance.
“We understand there may be a few exceptional cases, and provisions have already been made for legitimate exceptions, especially for gifted children or those with accelerated educational progress.
“However, this must be demonstrated and documented, and it must be justified.
“The ministry is firm in its resolve, and those attempting to circumvent this policy by altering age records will be sanctioned accordingly.”
