The Federal Government has officially introduced a new minimum age requirement for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions, setting a fresh standard for the 2025/2026 academic session and beyond.
Speaking during the 2025 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) held in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, declared that 16 years is now the minimum age allowed for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.
“This age benchmark is now official and non-negotiable,” Dr. Alausa stated.
“Any admission conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) will be considered illegal. Institutions or officials involved will face legal consequences.”
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Why This New Age Rule Matters
The decision aims to curb the rising trend of underage admissions and to ensure students are mentally and emotionally prepared for the demands of higher education. It also brings Nigeria’s admission policies closer to global academic standards.
Educational experts say the new minimum age policy will:
- Encourage academic maturity,
- Reduce pressure on students,
- Improve classroom engagement, and
- Help institutions maintain higher standards.
Strict Enforcement Through CAPS
The Minister emphasized that CAPS is now the only recognized platform for admissions into tertiary institutions. Institutions that bypass CAPS or alter age records to admit underage candidates will be investigated and prosecuted.
“Heads of institutions found circumventing CAPS will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” Alausa warned.
Next Steps for Students and Parents
- All applicants must be at least 16 years old at the time of admission.
- Institutions must verify age and admission data through CAPS.
- JAMB will release official cut-off marks and additional guidelines soon.
This policy marks a significant step in education reform and is part of the federal government’s broader plan to sanitize Nigeria’s admission process and ensure that quality and merit drive placements in higher institutions.