The Federal Government has formally established 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 Tuesday during the opening session of the 2025 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), held in Abuja.

“This policy decision reflects a balance between cognitive maturity and academic preparedness. Sixteen years is non-negotiable,” Alausa declared.

He emphasized that the age requirement is now mandatory and warned that any institution found admitting students below the approved age limit would face sanctions.

The Minister also issued a stern warning to heads of tertiary institutions against engaging in admission fraud. He stated that any vice-chancellor, rector, provost, or governing council involved in such illegal practices would face strict legal consequences, including prosecution.

Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring discipline, fairness, and accountability in Nigeria’s higher education sector.