ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government has formally established 16 years as the minimum age requirement for admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, warning that any deviation from the new policy will be met with strict sanctions, including possible prosecution.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the opening of the 2025 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), currently taking place in Abuja.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the decision was part of a broader effort to strengthen standards and accountability within the nation’s education sector. He stated unequivocally that the age limit is non-negotiable and is now a binding requirement for all candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.
“Let it be clear that the minimum age for admission into any tertiary institution in Nigeria is 16. This is the official position of the Federal Government, and it must be strictly adhered to,” the minister declared.
He also issued a stern warning to heads of tertiary institutions and admission officers, cautioning them against bypassing the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), the digital platform established by JAMB to ensure transparent and merit-based admissions.
“Any admission conducted outside the CAPS platform is illegal, null and void,” Alausa said. “Perpetrators of such unlawful practices will be held accountable and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
According to the minister, enforcing the age policy will not only help promote academic maturity among incoming students but also align Nigeria’s education system with international best practices. He noted that many candidates, especially in urban centers, are being rushed through basic and secondary education, leading to underaged admissions and poor academic preparedness at the tertiary level.
The meeting was attended by vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, and other key education stakeholders, who are expected to adopt the policy as part of the resolutions guiding the 2025 admission process.
The policy shift comes amid growing concerns about the quality of students entering higher institutions and the systemic flaws that enable some schools to admit candidates below the required age threshold.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child receives quality and timely education within a regulated, accountable framework. Additional updates from the ongoing policy meeting are expected in the coming days.
