FG Sets 16 as Minimum Age for Tertiary Admission, Warns Against Admission Malpractice

The Federal Government has formally established 16 years as the minimum age for admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, declaring the policy final and non-negotiable.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this announcement on Tuesday at the opening of the 2025 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja.

Dr. Alausa also warned that any admission conducted outside the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) would be considered illegal. He stressed that individuals or institutions involved in such practices would face prosecution.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to upholding integrity in the admission process, the Minister cautioned heads of institutions against engaging in admission malpractice, warning that offenders would be held accountable under the law.