The Federal Government has formally set 16 years as the minimum age for admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa announced this during the opening session of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) 2025 Policy Meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.
“This policy decision reflects a balance between cognitive maturity and academic preparedness. 16 years is non-negotiable,” he said.
He warned that the heads of institutions found to be engaged in admission fraud would face prosecution.
He stressed that the age requirement is mandatory and non-negotiable, adding that heads of institutions found complicit in admission fraud will face strict legal consequences.