The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has officially announced a reduction in the age requirement for tertiary admissions from 18 to 16 years.
Dr. Alausa provided this update during his inaugural press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
He noted that the previous requirement was rooted in Nigeria’s National Policy on Education, but it will no longer be enforced.
We will not be going forward with the 18-years admission benchmark. We will go with 16 years and are going to meet with JAMB and others on that.
Dr. Alausa
This policy adjustment permits academically qualified students to apply to universities and other institutions at the age of 16, rather than waiting until they are 18.
He also pointed out that the policy allows for exceptions regarding gifted students, who may be admitted even if they are under the age of 16.
According to him, the ministry will collaborate with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to implement this change effectively.
