The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced that the Federal Government has retained 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
In July 2024, Tahir Mamman, the immediate past minister for education, had set 18 as the minimum age for admissions.
Following his removal, Mamman’s successor Tunji Alausa reversed the policy to tentatively cap the admission age at a minimum of 16.
JAMB had added that exceptionally brilliant candidates below 16 could sit for its annual Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
In October 2024, a landmark ruling in Delta resolved that JAMB could not legally impose a minimum age requirement.
The ruling effectively nullified JAMB’s minimum age policy.
The board, in February 2025, revealed that it had sought a stay of execution on the matter pending a then-ongoing appeal.
Alausa made the announcement on Monday during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja, noting that the decision followed extensive consultations and policy reviews involving key education stakeholders.
According to him, the policy was designed to strike a balance between academic readiness and inclusivity in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
“Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, the government has maintained sixteen (16) years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions,” he said.
“This position reflects a careful balance between inclusivity and academic readiness.”
The minister explained that while the government recognises the existence of exceptionally gifted candidates who may meet academic requirements earlier than the stipulated age, such cases would be handled under strict guidelines.
“While we recognise the existence of exceptionally gifted individuals, such cases must be treated within clearly defined and rigorously enforced guidelines to preserve the integrity of the system as a whole,” Alausa added.
He said the framework is aimed at ensuring that early admissions do not compromise the maturity and preparedness required for tertiary education.
Alausa also used the platform to introduce policy adjustments affecting specific disciplines, including Education and Agriculture-related programmes, where candidates may now benefit from more flexible admission considerations under the new framework.
The announcement comes amid broader deliberations at the policy meeting, which also includes discussions on admission guidelines, institutional quotas, and cut-off marks for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Packaged by Dare Raji
