Underage Admissions Banned as FG Fixes Entry Age at 16

The Federal Government has officially set the minimum entry age into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions at 16 years.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced this on Tuesday while declaring open the ongoing Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja. He emphasized that the new directive is non-negotiable.

Dr. Alausa also warned that any admission conducted outside the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) would be considered illegal, with perpetrators both individuals and institutions to face prosecution.

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He noted that institutional heads found engaging in admission fraud would not be spared, as the Ministry is committed to enforcing strict compliance with all admission guidelines.

The issue of age eligibility for tertiary education in Nigeria has been the subject of prolonged public debate, particularly regarding the readiness and suitability of students under 18 for university education. The Minister’s announcement is expected to put an end to the controversy and streamline the admission process nationwide.