The Federal Government has officially established 16 years as the minimum age requirement for entry into all tertiary institutions across the country. Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa announced the new policy during Tuesday’s opening of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) policy meeting in Abuja.
“The entry age for admission is now officially pegged at 16 years. This policy decision reflects a balance between cognitive maturity and academic preparedness,” Alausa declared.
The minister emphasized the government’s uncompromising stance on the new regulation, warning institutions against non-compliance.
The policy allows limited exceptions for exceptional cases, as the minister explained: “We understand there may be a few exceptional cases; provision has already been made for legitimate exceptions, especially for gifted children and all those with accelerated educational pathways. However, it must be clearly demonstrated and documented.”
Alausa issued a stern warning to institutions attempting to circumvent the rule: “The ministry is firm in its resolve and those admitting to destroying its policy by altering age records will be sanctioned accordingly.”
The minister described the 16-year threshold as “not negotiable,” directing all tertiary institutions to implement the measure without exception. The policy takes immediate effect, with JAMB and tertiary institutions mandated to enforce compliance during the 2024/2025 admission cycle.
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