JAMB Enforces 16-Year Minimum Age Requirement for University Admissions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the enforcement of a 16-year minimum age requirement for all candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, beginning with the 2025 academic session.

This decision aligns with the National Policy on Education (2019), which stipulates that university entrants must be at least 16 years old by the time of admission. While the rule existed before now, enforcement was often inconsistent, leading to debates on the appropriate age for university education in the country.

According to JAMB, the age limit is not intended to limit educational aspirations but to ensure that students are mature enough to handle the academic and social demands of university life. The Board also clarified that exceptions can be made for exceptionally gifted students below 16, provided they have fulfilled certain academic requirements. This policy seeks to standardize the age of admission and reduce the growing number of underage students in Nigerian universities.

Many stakeholders in the education sector have praised the move, saying it will promote better emotional and intellectual readiness among students. Lecturers and university administrators have often complained about the challenges of managing overly young students who may lack the maturity to navigate university life independently. The policy may also help reduce dropout rates, as students admitted too early are sometimes unable to cope and end up leaving school.

However, some parents and education advocates have expressed concern that the enforcement could disrupt the academic progression of highly talented young learners. In Nigeria, accelerated learning is common, especially among children in private schools who complete secondary education earlier than the typical age. Critics argue that the blanket enforcement may discourage academic excellence and punish high-performing students for their achievements.

The new age policy has sparked nationwide conversations on educational planning, parenting, and the structure of Nigeria’s school system. While the intent is to protect students and strengthen the education system, its implementation will need to be closely monitored to ensure fairness, flexibility, and support for exceptional cases. As the 2025 admission process begins, all eyes will be on how JAMB manages this significant policy shift.