Education Minister Tunji Alausa has formally announced that 16 years is now the official minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2025 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Alausa said the new policy must be strictly enforced by all institutions.

“The issue of age at entry into tertiary institutions has generated much debate, but our position is clear,” the minister said. “The entry age for admission into tertiary institutions is now officially pegged at 16 years.”

Alausa explained that the decision reflects a careful consideration of both cognitive development and academic readiness. “Sixteen years of age for admission is non-negotiable. Institutions are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance,” he declared.

The announcement marks a reversal of a policy set by Alausa’s predecessor, Tahir Mamman, who in July 2024 raised the minimum age to 18. That directive was later overturned after a court ruling in Delta State in October 2024 nullified JAMB’s authority to impose a minimum age requirement.

JAMB had since appealed the decision, pending a stay of execution, but Tuesday’s policy announcement appears to bring administrative clarity.

While maintaining the new standard, the minister acknowledged that there may be 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,” he said. “However, this must be demonstrated, documented, and justified.”

Alausa also issued a stern warning to institutions and parents considering falsifying age records to beat the system. “The ministry is firm in its resolve, and those attempting to circumvent this policy by altering age records will be sanctioned accordingly,” he cautioned.

With this decision, the education ministry seeks to end long-running confusion and ensure that the country’s admission policies align with best practices in student development and institutional integrity.

Erizia Rubyjeana

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