Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has officially pegged 16 years as the minimum age for admission into all tertiary institutions in Nigeria, bringing a decisive end to years of policy confusion and legal wrangling.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the announcement on Tuesday during the 2025 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) held in Abuja.
New Standard Across All Institutions
“The entry age for admission into tertiary institutions is now officially pegged at 16 years,” Alausa stated firmly. “This decision follows careful consideration of cognitive development, emotional maturity, and academic readiness. Sixteen is non-negotiable.”
He directed all institutions across Nigeria to enforce the new age limit without exception, while emphasizing that the policy aims to ensure students are emotionally and academically prepared for the rigors of higher education.
Policy Reversal and Legal Context
The new policy effectively overturns a 2024 directive by Alausa’s predecessor, Tahir Mamman, who had raised the minimum entry age to 18. That decision was nullified by a court ruling in Delta State in October 2024, which declared that JAMB lacked the authority to enforce an age requirement.
Although JAMB later appealed the ruling, Tuesday’s pronouncement brings administrative clarity by placing the age limit under the authority of the Federal Ministry of Education.
Exceptions and Sanctions
The minister acknowledged the possibility of rare exceptions—particularly for gifted children who show clear signs of accelerated learning.
“Any exceptions must be well-documented, demonstrable, and justifiable,” Alausa said, stressing that such cases will be reviewed on merit.
He also warned parents and institutions against falsifying birth records to bypass the rule. “Anyone caught altering age documents to beat the system will face stiff sanctions. We are resolute in maintaining the integrity of this policy.”
Why the Age Matters
Education experts have long debated the ideal age for tertiary education entry, with many agreeing that 16 strikes a balance between mental maturity and academic performance.
The ministry says the new standard aligns with international best practices and ensures students are adequately prepared to cope with the demands of higher education.
