In a decisive move aimed at standardizing entry requirements into Nigeria’s higher education system, the Federal Government has officially declared 16 years as the minimum age for admission into all tertiary institutions across the country.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the opening session of the 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Policy Meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Dr. Alausa described the new policy as binding on all institutions and emphasized that no candidate below the age of 16 should be offered admission. He maintained that the regulation is “mandatory and non-negotiable.”
The Minister further warned that any admissions carried out outside the JAMB Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) would be considered illegal. He reiterated that heads of institutions involved in such unauthorized practices, as well as individuals participating in admission fraud, will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“This measure is necessary to ensure that our students are mentally and emotionally prepared for the rigours of tertiary education,” Alausa said. “It also helps to uphold the integrity of our admission process and protect the future of our education system.”
The policy marks a significant step by the Federal Government to enforce compliance with standardized admission procedures and age eligibility, amid growing concerns over irregularities in the country’s education sector.
