The Federal Government has officially declared 16 years as the minimum age for admission into universities and other tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the opening of the 2025 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), held on Tuesday in Abuja.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the decision is aimed at ensuring students are both academically and mentally prepared for the rigours of higher education.
“This policy decision reflects a balance between cognitive maturity and academic preparedness. Sixteen years is non-negotiable,” he said.
The minister also issued a stern warning to the heads of tertiary institutions, cautioning that any institution found to be involved in admission malpractice or age-related violations would face prosecution.
He stressed that the age limit was not only a guideline but a mandatory requirement, adding that compliance would be strictly monitored.
“Institution heads who facilitate or overlook admission fraud will face strict legal consequences,” Alausa added.
The announcement comes amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s education sector aimed at improving standards, enforcing accountability, and strengthening the integrity of the university admissions process.
