The Federal Government has officially set 16 years as the youngest age for students seeking admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa made the announcement on Tuesday during the 2025 policy meeting by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The yearly meeting helps set rules for student admissions nationwide.
Last year, former Education Minister Tahir Mamman had fixed the admission age at 18 years, sparking debates among parents and schools. However, after his removal, Minister Alausa reversed the rule in 2024, allowing 16-year-olds to apply.
Now, the government has made 16 years the permanent minimum age for admission. The Minister warned schools to strictly obey the rule, saying it balances mental readiness and academic ability.
Alausa noted that exceptionally gifted children below 16 may still gain admission if properly assessed.
“We’ve made room for special cases, especially for very smart students who finish school early,” he said. “But schools must prove and document such cases before admitting them.”
This new rule aims to create a fair but flexible admission system while ensuring students are mature enough for higher education.
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