“This must be demonstrated and documented… especially for gifted children,” Education Minister Tunji Alausa said.
The Federal Government has formally set 16 as the minimum age for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, made the announcement Tuesday during the 2025 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
This decision reverses the 2024 directive by former Minister Tahir Mamman, who had raised the age limit to 18. Alausa had temporarily lowered it to 16 during last year’s admissions, and has now formalised it.
“This age reflects a balance between cognitive maturity and academic preparedness,” he said.
He warned institutions against violating the rule and urged strict compliance.
Alausa added that exceptions would be allowed for gifted or accelerated learners but must be “demonstrated, documented, and justified.”
The JAMB policy meeting annually sets the tone for admission processes nationwide.
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