The Federal Government has maintained 16 years as the minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the decision on Monday during the 2026 policy meeting on admissions held in Abuja.
FG Explains Why 16 Remains Admission Age
According to the minister, the decision followed extensive consultations and policy reviews involving education stakeholders and government officials.
Alausa stated that the policy was designed to balance inclusivity with academic readiness among students seeking tertiary education admission.
“Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, government has maintained sixteen years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions,” he said.
The minimum admission age Nigeria decision has continued generating reactions in latest Nigerian education news.
Exceptionally Gifted Children to Follow Strict Guidelines
The minister acknowledged that exceptionally gifted children exist but insisted that such cases must be handled carefully under strict guidelines.
He explained that the government intends to protect the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s admission system.
“While we recognise the existence of exceptionally gifted individuals, such cases must be treated within clearly defined and rigorously enforced guidelines,” Alausa added.
FG Warns Institutions Against Illegal Admissions
The minister also warned tertiary institutions against conducting admissions outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) managed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
According to him, admissions conducted outside the approved JAMB platform would be considered illegal and would not be recognised by the Federal Government.
The JAMB CAPS admission warning has become one of the major talking points in breaking news Nigeria today as institutions prepare for the new admission cycle.
Institutions Risk Sanctions, Licence Withdrawal
Alausa stressed that institutions violating admission procedures could face severe sanctions, including suspension or withdrawal of operating licences.
“I have resisted many attempts at condoning illegality in the admissions process. I will not be a party to such actions,” the minister stated.
He added that the Federal Government would continue enforcing compliance to restore credibility and order within Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
FG Pushes Digitalisation of National Examinations
The minister further disclosed that the government is intensifying efforts toward digitalisation in the education sector.
According to him, computer-based testing and digital competency systems are now unavoidable realities in national examinations.
He also revealed that the Federal Government had strengthened efforts to tackle examination malpractice through improved verification systems and stricter supervision.