FG pegs university admission age at 16.

The Federal Government has officially announced 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions. 

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced this policy decision at the 2025 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja, aimed at ensuring that students are cognitively mature and academically prepared for tertiary education.

The minister emphasized that 16 years is non-negotiable, with provisions for clearly documented and justified exceptions for gifted children with accelerated educational progress. 

He warned that institutions will face sanctions for attempting to circumvent the rule by altering age records, as the move is expected to enhance the integrity of Nigeria's education system and ensure that students are adequately prepared for tertiary education.

To further strengthen the education system, Alausa said the government will establish a Central Examination Malpractice Unit within the Federal Ministry of Education to serve as a national clearing house for documenting and reporting malpractices cases. 

He added that the government will also support WAEC and NECO in adopting computer-based testing to curb examination malpractices.

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