The federal government has insisted that 16 years remains the minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions in the country.
This was disclosed on Monday by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during the 2026 policy meeting on admissions to tertiary institutions held in Abuja.
The Minister explained that the decision reflects a careful balance between inclusivity and academic readiness and is based on extensive consultations between the government and stakeholders in the education sector.
Alausa added that while the government recognizes the case of exceptionally gifted children, such cases must be treated with carefully defined guidelines to preserve the integrity of the system.
“Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, government has maintained sixteen years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions.
“This position reflects a careful balance between inclusivity and academic readiness. While we recognise the existence of exceptionally gifted individuals, such cases must be treated within clearly defined and rigorously enforced guidelines to preserve the integrity of the system as a whole,” Alausa said.
He added that admissions conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) were illegal and would not be recognised.
He warned that institutions that violate the approved process risk sanctions, including withdrawal of licences.
“Distinguished stakeholders, the question of admissions remains central to this trust. The integrity of the admissions process is the foundation upon which the legitimacy of our institutions rests.
“I have resisted many attempts at condoning illegality in the admissions process. I will not be a party to such actions. Any institution found to have conducted admissions outside the CAPS will be held accountable, and appropriate sanctions shall be applied without hesitation.
“Heads of institutions, whether in the public or private sector, must recognise that such violations could result in severe consequences, including the suspension of operating licences or other regulatory actions, where applicable,” the Minister said.
He stated that the government would continue to serve as a gatekeeper to preserve the integrity of the admission process.
“Government will continue to enforce compliance with this policy, and appropriate sanctions will be applied where necessary. This is not a punitive measure; it is a necessary step towards restoring order and credibility in the system,” he added.
Digitization And Malpractice
In line with global best practices, Alausa disclosed that the government is advancing in the digitalisation of the education sector, noting that computer-based testing and digital competencies had become unavoidable realities.
He added that the federal government had intensified efforts to combat examination malpractice through improved verification systems and stronger supervision mechanisms.
“The global shift towards digitalisation is not a distant prospect; it is an immediate necessity.
“Accordingly, we are advancing the full adoption of computer-based testing across national examinations,” Alausa noted.
