FG Sets 16 as Minimum Age for Tertiary Institution Admission

By Iyojo Ameh

The Federal Government has officially set 16 years as the minimum age requirement for admission into all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the policy on Monday, stating that the new age benchmark is non-negotiable and applies to all universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.

Dr. Alausa stressed that any admissions conducted outside the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) would be considered illegal. He warned that institutions and officials involved in such activities would face prosecution.

“CAPS remains the only recognized and transparent platform for admissions,” the Minister stated, adding that the measure ensures fairness and credibility in the selection process.

He further cautioned vice chancellors, rectors, and provosts against involvement in admission racketeering, emphasizing that any violation of admission guidelines will attract serious legal consequences.

According to the minister, the age requirement aims to align students’ cognitive development with the academic rigor of tertiary education, ensuring they are both mentally and emotionally prepared.

However, he noted that exceptions may be made for exceptionally gifted students who have advanced academically ahead of their peers. Such cases, he said, must be “clearly documented and well justified.”