The Federal Government has pegged 16 years as the minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria, with enforcement set to commence from the 2025/2026 academic session.
This new directive was issued during the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) policy meeting held yesterday in Abuja. It marks a shift from last year’s proposal, when former Education Minister Tahir Mamman recommended 18 years as the minimum age – a policy that was expected to take effect this year.
At the meeting, current Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, clarified that 16 years will now serve as the official entry age for all admissions going forward. He also emphasised that any admission process conducted outside JAMB’s Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) would be considered void.
Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellors and heads of tertiary institutions agreed on a national minimum cut-off mark of 150 for universities, while polytechnics and colleges of education will admit candidates with a minimum score of 100. For colleges of nursing, the cut-off was set at 140.
The decisions, officials said, aim to standardise entry requirements across Nigeria’s higher education sector while maintaining quality and credibility in admissions.
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He also cautioned universities, polytechnics, and COEs against illegal admission of applicants.
His words: “Any admission conducted outside CAPS, regardless of its intentions, is illegal. Both institutions and the candidates involved in such practices will be held accountable.
“Sanctions may include withdrawal of institutional assets and prosecution of culpable officers or governing council members.
‘’Admission process is designed to eliminate human interference and administrative bottlenecks.’’
Education Minister Tunji Alausa reaffirmed the government’s resolve to uphold transparency, fairness, and accountability within Nigeria’s tertiary education admissions process.
Speaking at the JAMB policy meeting in Abuja, Alausa emphasised that while the academic boards of individual institutions retain the primary responsibility to initiate admissions, JAMB remains legally empowered to regulate and supervise the process to guarantee equity for all candidates.
He urged vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, and governing councils to strengthen internal oversight mechanisms within their institutions, warning that the government would not tolerate any form of unauthorised admission practices going forward.