Alausa: 16 Now Official Minimum Age for Tertiary Admissions

The federal government has officially set 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, announced the policy shift in Abuja on Tuesday during the 2025 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

“The issue of age at entry into tertiary institutions has generated much debate, but our position is clear,” Alausa said.
“The entry age for admission into tertiary institutions is now officially pegged at 16 years. It was reduced from 18, which was to be effective from this year’s exercise to the need for this compliance.”

In July 2024, former education minister Tahir Mamman had set 18 as the minimum entry age, but the decision was reversed following his exit. The current minister’s directive returns the benchmark to the previously observed 16 years.

Alausa stressed the decision aims to strike a balance between educational readiness and cognitive development.
“This policy decision reflects a balance between cognitive maturity and academic preparedness. Sixteen years of age for admission is non-negotiable. Institutions are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance.”

See Also

Nigerians spend $5.5 million daily on betting as young people struggle to make ends meet in poor economy

He, however, acknowledged rare exceptions.
“We understand there may be a few exceptional cases, and provisions have already been made for legitimate exceptions, especially for gifted children or those with accelerated educational progress. However, this must be demonstrated and documented, and it must be justified.”

Alausa also warned against the falsification of records.
“The ministry is firm in its resolve, and those attempting to circumvent this policy by altering age records will be sanctioned accordingly.”