FG retains 16 years as minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions

The federal government has retained 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions in the country.

The government had in July 2025 fixed 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions in the country, reversing the position earlier announced by Tahir Mamman, former minister of education.

Speaking on Monday at the 2026 policy meeting on admissions to tertiary institutions held in Abuja, Tunji Alausa, the education minister, said the decision reflects a balance between inclusivity and academic readiness.

“Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, government has maintained sixteen years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions,” Alausa said.

“This position reflects a careful balance between inclusivity and academic readiness. While we recognise the existence of exceptionally gifted individuals, such cases must be treated within clearly defined and rigorously enforced guidelines to preserve the integrity of the system as a whole.”

The minister noted that the integrity of the admission process remains central to restoring confidence in the nation’s educational system.

He said admissions conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) were illegal and would not be recognised.

He warned that institutions that violate the approved process risk sanctions, including withdrawal of licences.

“Distinguished stakeholders, the question of admissions remains central to this trust. The integrity of the admissions process is the foundation upon which the legitimacy of our institutions rests,” Alausa said.

“I have resisted many attempts at condoning illegality in the admissions process. I will not be a party to such actions. Any institution found to have conducted admissions outside the CAPS will be held accountable, and appropriate sanctions shall be applied without hesitation.

“Heads of institutions, whether in the public or private sector, must recognise that such violations could result in severe consequences, including the suspension of operating licences or other regulatory actions, where applicable.”

The minister said the government would continue to enforce strict compliance with the policy in order to restore credibility to the admission process.

“Government will continue to enforce compliance with this policy, and appropriate sanctions will be applied where necessary. This is not a punitive measure; it is a necessary step towards restoring order and credibility in the system,” he added.

The minister also spoke on the government’s push towards digitalisation in the education sector, noting that computer-based testing and digital competencies had become unavoidable realities.

“The global shift towards digitalisation is not a distant prospect; it is an immediate necessity,” Alausa said.

“Accordingly, we are advancing the full adoption of computer-based testing across national examinations.”

He said the federal government had intensified efforts to combat examination malpractice through improved verification systems and stronger supervision mechanisms.

The minister urged institutional leaders to uphold academic standards through integration of artificial intelligence into their curricula.