The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, on Monday announced that the Federal Government has maintained 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Alausa made the disclosure during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja, explaining that the decision came after broad consultations and policy reviews involving major stakeholders in the education sector.
He said the policy is intended to balance academic readiness with inclusiveness within Nigeria’s higher education system.
“Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, the government has maintained sixteen (16) years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions,” he said.
“This position reflects a careful balance between inclusivity and academic readiness.”
The minister further noted that although the government acknowledges that some exceptionally gifted students may qualify earlier than the set age, such cases will only be considered under strict guidelines.
“While we recognise the existence of exceptionally gifted individuals, such cases must be treated within clearly defined and rigorously enforced guidelines to preserve the integrity of the system as a whole,” Alausa added.
He explained that the framework is designed to ensure that early admissions do not undermine the maturity and preparedness expected of students entering tertiary institutions.
Alausa also announced adjustments affecting some programmes, particularly Education and Agriculture-related courses, where more flexible admission rules will now apply under the revised policy framework.
The development comes amid wider discussions at the policy meeting covering admission guidelines, institutional quotas, and cut-off marks for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).