a major policy shift, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially declared 16 years as the minimum age requirement for admission into all tertiary institutions across the country.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Education following a directive approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The new policy affects universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other post-secondary institutions, and is expected to take immediate effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
According to the ministry, the decision was taken to address concerns over the increasing number of underage students in higher institutions — a trend that experts say undermines academic maturity, social development, and campus discipline.
A statement from the ministry read:
“The Federal Government has approved that with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session, candidates must have attained a minimum of 16 years of age before they can be considered for admission into any tertiary institution in Nigeria. Institutions and examination bodies are expected to strictly enforce this policy in the interest of academic integrity and national development.”
The policy has been welcomed by many education stakeholders, who argue that it brings Nigeria in line with global standards and ensures that students are mentally and emotionally prepared for the rigors of tertiary education.
Meanwhile, parents and guardians are being urged to carefully plan their children’s educational pathways to align with the new requirement. Admission bodies like the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) are also expected to adjust their screening and registration processes to reflect the new policy.
More details are expected to be released in the coming days as institutions begin to update their admission guidelines.
