The federal government has officially established 16 years as the minimum age for admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. This directive was announced during the ongoing Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) held in Abuja.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that any admission processed outside the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) would be deemed illegal, and those involved in such unauthorized admissions would face prosecution. “The official age of 16 set by the government is not negotiable,” Alausa stated firmly.
He further warned that heads of institutions found guilty of engaging in admission fraud would be held accountable under the law. The government’s move aims to standardize admission procedures and curb malpractices that have plagued tertiary education admissions.
Okay.ng reports that this policy is expected to bring more transparency and fairness to the admission process across the country’s universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Further details on the implementation and enforcement of this age policy are awaited as the meeting progresses.
