The Federal Government has officially pegged 16 years as the minimum age for admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the announcement during the opening session of the 2025 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), held Tuesday in Abuja.
“This policy decision reflects a balance between cognitive maturity and academic preparedness. Sixteen years is non-negotiable,” Dr. Alausa stated firmly.
He emphasized that the age requirement is now mandatory across all institutions, warning that any school head found violating the directive or involved in admission-related fraud will face prosecution.
“This is not merely a guideline. It is a strict policy, and any institution that attempts to circumvent it will face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
The move is part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to sanitize Nigeria’s education sector and ensure global standards in academic admissions.
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