The Federal Government has reaffirmed 16 years as the minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Monday during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja.
He explained that the decision followed wide-ranging consultations and reviews involving major stakeholders in the education sector. According to the minister, the policy is intended to maintain a balance between academic preparedness and equal access to higher education opportunities.
Alausa noted that although some exceptionally talented students may satisfy academic requirements before turning 16, such admissions would only be considered under carefully regulated conditions.
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He stressed that strict guidelines are necessary to protect the credibility of the admission process and ensure that students admitted into tertiary institutions possess the required maturity and readiness for higher education.
The minister also announced adjustments to admission policies for certain courses, particularly Education and Agriculture-related programmes. Under the revised framework, candidates seeking admission into these fields may enjoy more flexible entry considerations.
The policy meeting also featured discussions on admission procedures, institutional quotas, and proposed cut-off marks for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
