In a decisive policy shift aimed at reinforcing academic integrity and ensuring proper cognitive readiness for higher education, the Federal Government has officially set 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the announcement in Abuja on Tuesday, July 8, during the 2025 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
“This policy decision reflects a balance between cognitive maturity and academic preparedness. Sixteen years is non-negotiable,” Dr. Alausa stated firmly.
He, however, acknowledged the possibility of exemptions in cases involving clearly gifted children who demonstrate accelerated academic progress. “Such exceptions must be properly documented and justified,” he said.
Dr. Alausa cautioned institutions against manipulating students’ age records to flout the policy, warning that any such infraction would attract strict sanctions. “No institution is allowed to falsify age records. Offenders will be held accountable,” he added.
In a broader effort to address the endemic problem of examination malpractice, which he described as a “cancer” in the education system, the minister unveiled the creation of a Central Examination Malpractice Unit under the Federal Ministry of Education.
The unit, to be chaired by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Abel Enitan, will act as a national clearing house for reporting, tracking, and prosecuting cases of exam misconduct across all levels of education.
“This central database will be accessible to all institutions. It is our hope that this transparency and coordination will significantly reduce the tendency to engage in malpractices,” Dr. Alausa noted. He emphasized that violators will face consequences under the provisions of the Examination Malpractices Act.
To further strengthen examination integrity, the government pledged support for key examination bodies — WAEC and NECO — in their move toward full computer-based testing (CBT). This, according to the minister, is in line with global standards and will serve as a strong deterrent to cheating during examinations.
The announcements mark a renewed government commitment to restoring merit, discipline, and accountability in Nigeria’s education system.