FG abolishes 18-year admission rule for tertiary institutions

In a significant policy shift, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has revoked the 18-year age requirement for admission into the nation’s tertiary institutions.

Speaking at his inaugural press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Alausa also suggested the possibility of a broader review of Nigeria’s educational policies under his leadership.

However, the minister held firm on the federal government’s decision to nullify over 22,700 degree certificates earned by Nigerians from unaccredited universities in Togo and Benin Republic, citing concerns over the institutions’ legitimacy.

This announcement follows a previous directive in July from then-Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman, who had mandated the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to enforce the 18-year age benchmark. Mamman had argued that enrolling underage candidates was detrimental to both the universities and the broader educational system.

Despite initial resistance, Mamman later adjusted the policy to allow students aged 16 and above to be admitted this year, with plans to enforce the 18-year requirement starting in 2025.

With Alausa’s recent repeal of the age restriction, tertiary institutions will now have more flexibility in admitting younger candidates, marking a notable departure from the previous administration’s approach.