FG Sets 16 as Minimum Admission Age for Tertiary Institutions, Warns Against Admission Fraud

The Federal Government has officially set the minimum entry age into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions at 16 years, declaring the policy as non-negotiable.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the announcement on Tuesday while addressing participants at the ongoing Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja.

He also issued a stern warning to heads of institutions, stating that any admission carried out outside the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) would be deemed illegal, and those responsible would be prosecuted.

Dr. Alausa emphasized the government’s zero tolerance for admission fraud and said violators would face the full weight of the law.

“Sixteen is the official age for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, and that remains non-negotiable,” he declared.