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.
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