The Federal Government has reaffirmed that candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria must be at least 16 years old, stressing that the policy is necessary to maintain academic standards and institutional integrity.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during the 2026 policy meeting on admissions into tertiary institutions held in Abuja.

According to the Minister, the decision followed extensive consultations and policy reviews involving major stakeholders in the education sector.

He explained that the government’s position was designed to strike a balance between inclusiveness and academic preparedness among students entering higher institutions.

“Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, government has maintained sixteen years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions,” Alausa stated.

He added that while exceptionally gifted students exist, such cases would only be considered under clearly defined and strictly monitored guidelines to avoid abuse of the system.

Surulere APC Primaries: Fresh Crisis Erupts Over Alleged Candidate Imposition

The Minister emphasized that the integrity of Nigeria’s admission process must not be compromised, warning institutions against conducting admissions outside the official system approved by the government.

He specifically referenced the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) operated by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, stating that any admission carried out outside the platform would be regarded as illegal.

According to him, institutions found violating the approved process could face serious sanctions, including the suspension or withdrawal of operating licences.

“The integrity of the admissions process is the foundation upon which the legitimacy of our institutions rests,” the Minister said.

“I have resisted many attempts at condoning illegality in the admissions process. I will not be a party to such actions,” he added.

Alausa warned heads of institutions in both the public and private sectors to comply fully with the guidelines established by the government and regulatory agencies.

He noted that enforcement measures were not intended to punish institutions but to restore credibility, fairness, and order in the nation’s tertiary education system.

“Government will continue to enforce compliance with this policy, and appropriate sanctions will be applied where necessary. This is not a punitive measure; it is a necessary step towards restoring order and credibility in the system,” he stated.

The renewed stance on admission age has already sparked conversations among parents, school administrators, and education stakeholders across the country.

Some education experts argue that maintaining the minimum age requirement would help students develop emotionally, mentally, and socially before entering tertiary institutions.

Others, however, believe highly gifted children should have opportunities to advance academically at a faster pace if they demonstrate exceptional intellectual ability.

Digitalisation and Fight Against Examination Malpractice

Beyond the age requirement, the Minister also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s education system.

He disclosed that the Federal Government was intensifying efforts toward the digitalisation of examinations and learning processes in line with global best practices.

According to Alausa, computer-based testing is gradually becoming unavoidable in modern education systems and would continue to expand across national examinations in Nigeria.

“The global shift towards digitalisation is not a distant prospect; it is an immediate necessity,” he noted.

The Minister further explained that authorities were strengthening mechanisms to curb examination malpractice through improved candidate verification systems and stricter supervision during examinations.

The reforms, he said, are part of broader efforts to improve transparency, efficiency, and public confidence in Nigeria’s education sector.

Education stakeholders at the meeting reportedly welcomed some of the reforms but urged the government to ensure equal access to digital infrastructure, especially in rural communities where technological facilities remain limited.

Observers believe the renewed emphasis on compliance, digitalisation, and admission standards signals the government’s determination to tighten regulations within the nation’s tertiary education system ahead of future admission cycles.