The Federal Government has announced that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will enforce an 18-year minimum age requirement for university admissions starting in 2025. This was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during an appearance on Channels TV’s “Sunday Politics.”
Prof. Mamman clarified that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), responsible for overseeing the Senior School Certificate Examination, has also been instructed to adhere to this age requirement for exam candidates. He emphasized that the policy is not new but has been part of the education system for years.
“It is 18 years. What we did at the meeting with JAMB in July was to allow this year to serve as a notice period for parents. This year, JAMB will still admit students below that age, but from next year, JAMB will insist that applicants meet the required age of 18,” Prof. Mamman explained.
He further clarified that the policy is based on the typical progression of students through the Nigerian education system, where most would be around 17 and a half years old by the time they are ready for university admission.
The Minister also stressed that, going forward, WAEC and the National Examinations Council (NECO) will not allow underage candidates to sit for their exams if they have not completed the requisite number of years at their respective educational levels.
“This is not a new policy; it’s a reminder of what has been in place. We are simply ensuring that the existing guidelines are followed,” Prof. Mamman reiterated.
The enforcement of this policy aims to standardize the age of university entrants across Nigeria, aligning with global practices and ensuring that students are adequately prepared for higher education.
