In a major policy move aimed at sanitising the country’s admission processes and promoting educational standards, the Federal Government has officially set 16 years as the minimum age for admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the 2025 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) held in Abuja. The annual meeting brings together key stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector to establish guidelines for admissions into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education for the upcoming academic year.

Dr. Alausa, while delivering his keynote address to formally open the meeting, declared that the newly approved age limit is now an official government policy, describing it as “non-negotiable and binding” on all tertiary institutions across the country.

“From this moment forward, no candidate below the age of 16 will be considered eligible for admission into any Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college of education,” the minister stated. “This policy has been made in the best interest of our students and the integrity of our educational system.”

In addition to setting the age benchmark, the minister issued a stern warning against any attempts to bypass the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), JAMB’s official platform for conducting all tertiary admissions. He stated unequivocally that any admission carried out outside the CAPS platform would be considered illegal, and the Federal Government would take disciplinary action against any institution found culpable.

“CAPS remains the only legitimate route for admissions in this country,” Alausa warned. “Any tertiary institution found admitting candidates outside the system is breaking the law and will face consequences. Heads of such institutions will be held personally accountable.”

The CAPS platform, introduced by JAMB in 2017, was designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and standardisation in the admission process. It provides real-time tracking of candidates’ admission status and enables institutions to make offers directly through the system, which must be accepted or declined by candidates online.

As the 2025 admission season progresses, tertiary institutions across Nigeria will now be required to adhere strictly to the new age policy and conduct all admission exercises exclusively through CAPS. The Federal Government says the move is part of a broader agenda to promote accountability and raise the standard of education across all levels.