FG Stamps 16 Years Minimum Admission Age, As JAMB Cut-off Mark Is 150 Varsity, 100 Others

The Nigerian government has officially fixed the minimum entry age into all tertiary institutions in the country at 16 years.

Education Minister, Prof. Tunji Alausa, who gave the directive in Abuja on Tuesday at the 2025/2026 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), said the new age requirement is non-negotiable and must be strictly adhered to by all institutions across Nigeria.

The Minister also issued a stern warning to Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education against conducting admissions outside the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), operated by JAMB, describing such acts as illegal.

According to Prof. Alausa, heads of institutions who bypass the CAPS platform or manipulate the admission process will face prosecution.

The Education Minister on assumption of office last year had verbally announced a return from 18 to 16 years minimum admission age.

Unconfirmed sources claimed that the former Education Minister, Professor Mamman Tahir was axed over his insistence on 18 years age as admission benchmark.

Meanwhile, Okeke Chinedu from Anambra State has emerged the top scorer of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination with 375 score.

However, on Tuesday, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), noted that the Board realised some discrepancies regarding Okeke, who applied for Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos.

According to Oloyede, data from JAMB revealed that Okeke was admitted to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka’s Department of Medicine four years ago.

He also stated that there was no details on whether Okeke was withdrawn or not.

Oloyede further disclosed that the JAMB has written the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to ensure that Okeke is not allowed to practice Medicine under the circumstances.

Ayuba Simon-Peter came second with 374; Jimoh Abdulmalik with 373; Roberts Damiete with 373; Ononugbo Chigozirim, 373; Olawepo Gertrude with 373; Afinotan Leslie, 373; Azoyenime Samuel, 373, and Oyebode Oluwapelumi with 373.

The JAMB Registrar stated the examination body has fixed cut-off marks for University admissions for 2025/2026 session at 150 and 100 for Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with September as commencement of fresh admissions.

(Editor: Ken Eseni)