The Federal Government has officially set 16 years as the minimum age for admission into all tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the opening session of the 2025 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), held in Abuja.
Dr. Alausa stated that the policy was designed to align academic advancement with cognitive and emotional maturity.“This policy decision reflects a balance between cognitive maturity and academic preparedness. Sixteen years is non-negotiable,” he declared.
He emphasized that the policy is binding on all universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions in the country.
The Minister further issued a stern warning to heads of institutions against circumventing the directive, noting that legal action would be taken against any institution found guilty of violating the rule.
“We will not tolerate compromise on this issue. Institutions that admit candidates below the age limit will face appropriate sanctions, including legal consequences,” Dr. Alausa warned.
The decision comes as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity and quality of Nigeria’s higher education system.
