FG Sets Minimum Admission Age at 16 for Nigerian Universities and Colleges
Abuja, Nigeria – July 8, 2025
In a decisive move to standardize the education sector and ensure maturity among tertiary education candidates, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially set the minimum admission age to 16 years for all prospective students seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.
This directive, confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Education, aims to curb the growing trend of underage admissions and to improve academic readiness and emotional maturity among students entering higher institutions.
New Policy, Old Concern
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, Mr. Ben Goong, reiterated that the policy is not new, but is now being enforced more strictly in response to growing concerns from universities and education stakeholders.
“It is important that candidates admitted into higher institutions are not only academically qualified but are also mature enough to cope with the rigors of tertiary education. The minimum age of 16 has always been in place, but enforcement was weak. This new directive is a move towards full compliance,” Goong stated.
What This Means for Students and Parents
Under the new enforcement measures, any candidate who is under the age of 16 at the time of admission will not be eligible, even if they meet the required academic qualifications such as high JAMB scores or WAEC results. This change will significantly affect thousands of students who often graduate from secondary school earlier than age 16 due to accelerated learning or early enrollment.
Parents and guardians are now being urged to align their children’s academic progression with the new age policy. Many educators believe that this will help reduce pressure on young students who may not be emotionally ready for the independence and challenges that come with university life.
JAMB Supports the Policy
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nigeria’s central admission body, has expressed support for the Federal Government’s directive. JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, had previously emphasized the importance of adhering to age requirements to prevent academic burnout and to promote holistic development among students.
In fact, JAMB’s official admission policy already discourages underage admission, although enforcement has been inconsistent across institutions.
“Students below the age of 16 are advised to either take a gap year or consider pre-university programs such as A-levels or diploma programs,” Oloyede said.
Universities Begin Compliance
In response to the directive, several universities, including the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria), have issued statements reminding applicants of the minimum age requirement. Admission portals are now being configured to reject applications from candidates who do not meet the age threshold by the start of the academic session.
This is seen as a major shift in Nigeria’s admission landscape, as many institutions have historically admitted students younger than 16, especially those with exceptional academic records.
Reactions from Stakeholders
The policy has received mixed reactions from stakeholders. While many education experts support the move, some parents believe that it could disadvantage academically gifted children.
Mrs. Rita Okon, a parent and education consultant, said, “While I understand the rationale behind the age limit, there should be room for exceptional cases. Not every 15-year-old is immature. Some are more prepared than 17-year-olds.”
On the other hand, Professor Adebayo Soyinka, an education analyst, believes the policy is long overdue.
“Academic brilliance is not everything. Emotional intelligence, resilience, and maturity are crucial for success at the university level. This age limit is a positive step,” he argued.
Conclusion
With the new policy now in place, students, parents, and schools must adapt quickly to avoid disqualification during admissions. The Federal Government’s firm stance on enforcing the minimum age of 16 for admission marks a significant turning point in Nigeria’s education sector.
This directive is expected to promote a more structured academic environment, reduce student attrition, and ensure that students entering higher education are prepared academically, socially, and emotionally.
SEO Keywords for AdSense Optimization:
- Minimum admission age in Nigeria
- JAMB age requirement 2025
- FG university admission policy
- Nigerian education news 2025
- University age limit in Nigeria
- Admission age requirement
- JAMB and age policy
- Nigerian tertiary education reforms
Would you like a version of this formatted for a WordPress blog or ready for publication on a news website?
