FG Pegs University Admission Age at 16
The Federal Government has officially fixed the minimum age for university admission in Nigeria at 16 years. This directive was announced during the 2025/2026 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) policy meeting held in Abuja.
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, who represented the Education Minister at the event, said the move is part of efforts to standardize the nation’s tertiary education system and ensure that students are emotionally and mentally prepared for higher learning.
According to him, all institutions must strictly adhere to this policy. He warned that any university or tertiary institution found admitting candidates below the stipulated age would face sanctions, including the possible withdrawal of licenses.
The new guideline follows ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening quality, discipline, and maturity in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
