ABUJA — July 9, 2025 | By Naija247news Editorial Team
The Federal Government has formally declared age 16 as the minimum entry requirement for admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, warning that any breach of the directive will attract strict penalties, including prosecution of institutional heads involved in admission irregularities.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the opening session of the 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Policy Meeting held in Abuja.
“The official entry age into tertiary institutions in Nigeria remains 16. This policy is not negotiable,” the minister stated, emphasizing that age compliance will now be strictly enforced.
Dr. Alausa also issued a strong warning that any admission process conducted outside the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) will henceforth be deemed illegal, adding that culpable university, polytechnic, or college officials will be held personally accountable.
💬
“No more underage admissions. No more backdoor entries. We are cleaning up the system,”
— Dr. Tunji Alausa
CAPS as the Sole Gateway
The Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), developed by JAMB to ensure transparency, equity, and data-driven decision-making, will remain the exclusive platform for all legitimate admissions into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The minister said:
“CAPS is the standard. Any admission outside CAPS is illegal and punishable under Nigerian law. All Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts must adhere without exception.”
🔎 Policy Highlights from the JAMB 2025 Meeting:
- Minimum Admission Age: 16 years (effective nationwide)
- CAPS Enforcement: Strict penalties for non-compliance
- Fraud Accountability: Institutional heads to be prosecuted for admission manipulation
- Digital Monitoring: All admission records to be verified through JAMB’s CAPS portal
The policy move is part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening meritocracy, credibility, and the international reputation of Nigeria’s education system.
📊 Why It Matters:
Nigeria has long grappled with issues of underage enrollment, admission racketeering, and manipulated lists—especially in federal universities. Education analysts say that enforcing the age benchmark and digitizing the admission process are key to curbing systemic corruption in the sector.
⚖️ What Experts Are Saying:
According to education policy expert, Dr. Bisi Ajala:
“This is a bold and necessary reform. Age 16 aligns with global benchmarks and helps protect students from emotional and academic pressure.”
More updates expected as the JAMB Policy Meeting continues.
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Reporting by Naija247news in Lagos, Nigeria.
