The Federal Government has set 16 years as the minimum age for admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced this policy decision during the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) 2025 Policy Meeting in Abuja, stressing that 16 years is non-negotiable and reflects a balance between cognitive maturity and academic preparedness.
The policy aims to standardize entry requirements, curb widespread age inaccuracies in student records, and ensure students possess the maturity and foundational knowledge expected at the tertiary level.
Heads of institutions found engaging in admission fraud will face prosecution, and admissions conducted outside the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) will be deemed illegal.
The government has also emphasized the integration of National Identification Number (NIN) in the admission process to curb age falsification and other malpractices.
