Nigeria Sets 16 as Minimum Age for Tertiary Admission

The Nigerian federal government has officially set 16 as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions. Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced the policy during the 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) meeting. This decision reversed the previous 18-year age limit set by former minister Tahir Mamman, which had sparked concerns. Alausa said the age reflects a balance between cognitive maturity and academic preparedness, and also warned institutions to comply strictly with the new rule.