FG Enforces 16-Year Age Limit for Tertiary Admissions

By Aremu Toyeebaht

In a bid to tighten admission processes and uphold academic integrity, the Federal Government has officially enforced 16 years as the minimum age for entry into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the directive during the 2025 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Dr. Alausa declared that the age policy is now mandatory and irreversible, warning institutions against bypassing the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). He noted that any institution found admitting students below the stipulated age or outside the approved framework would face legal consequences.

“From this moment, any institution head or administrator found circumventing CAPS or involved in admission irregularities will be held accountable and prosecuted,” the minister said.

The policy meeting, an annual event, outlines the regulatory framework for admissions into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education ahead of the new academic session. It also marks the government’s renewed commitment to enforcing standards and addressing loopholes in the country’s education system.