The Federal Government has reaffirmed 16 years as the minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the decision on Monday during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja.
According to the minister, the age policy was retained after wide consultations and reviews involving major stakeholders in the education sector.
Alausa explained that the government’s decision was aimed at maintaining a balance between giving students access to higher education and ensuring they possess the maturity needed for academic life at the tertiary level.
He noted that although some exceptionally brilliant students may meet admission requirements before the age of 16, such cases would only be considered under strict and clearly defined guidelines.
The minister stressed that the measure is necessary to protect the integrity of the admission process and ensure that students are adequately prepared for university education.
He also disclosed that the government is introducing adjustments to admission policies affecting certain courses, particularly Education and Agriculture-related programmes, where candidates may enjoy more flexible admission considerations.
The policy meeting also featured discussions on admission quotas, cut-off marks and guidelines for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
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