BREAKING: Federal Government Sets 16 as Minimum Age for University Admission in Nigeria, JAMB and NUC Back Policy Shift

Students must now be at least 16 years old before gaining admission into any Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college of education, as the Federal Government has formally adopted 16 as the official minimum entry age into tertiary institutions nationwide. The announcement, confirmed by top officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, marks a significant policy shift aimed at aligning Nigeria’s education system with global best practices and addressing growing concerns over the emotional and intellectual readiness of underage university entrants.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which had previously recommended but not enforced the age limit, now has the full backing of the Federal Government to implement the 16-year benchmark. According to JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the policy was endorsed during a high-level meeting with federal education stakeholders held in Abuja on Monday, July 8, 2025. He emphasized that institutions found admitting students below the age limit risk sanctions, including withdrawal of admission quotas and accreditation penalties.

The move also has the full support of the National Universities Commission (NUC), which has directed all vice-chancellors to enforce the age requirement from the 2025/2026 academic session. This means candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) going forward must present valid birth certificates or national identity documents as proof of age before being offered admission.

Education advocates have long argued that Nigeria’s system, in the absence of a firm policy, has seen many students aged 13 to 15 admitted into higher institutions—leading to increased dropout rates, academic stress, vulnerability to exploitation, and behavioral issues on campuses. The policy, they believe, will help standardize academic maturity and create a more balanced learning environment for all students.

Public reaction has been mixed. While many parents and education experts welcomed the decision as long overdue, some parents have expressed concern that brilliant and fast-tracked students might be unfairly excluded. Critics argue that Nigeria’s uneven basic education system, where early enrollment is common, may put pressure on families to falsify age records—unless proper checks and incentives are put in place.

Government officials, however, maintain that exceptions will not be made, stressing that no child should be rushed through school for prestige or competition. “We must protect our children’s emotional and cognitive development,” one ministry official said. “If you finish secondary school before 16, wait a year. That extra time can be used for personal growth, skill acquisition, or pre-degree programmes.”

As part of enforcement, all tertiary institutions must update their admission portals to automatically screen out candidates below the age of 16. JAMB also stated that biometric registration will now cross-check National Identity Number (NIN) details to flag underage entries. Stakeholders expect this reform to enhance admission integrity, reduce academic pressure, and create a more structured pathway from basic to higher education.