The Federal Government has retained 16 years as the minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Minister of Education, , announced the decision on Monday during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja.
According to the minister, the policy followed extensive consultations and reviews with stakeholders in the education sector to ensure a balance between inclusivity and academic readiness.
Alausa explained that although exceptionally gifted students may qualify academically before the age of 16, such cases would only be considered under strict and clearly defined guidelines to protect the integrity of the admission system.
He added that the framework was designed to ensure students admitted into tertiary institutions possess the maturity and preparedness required for higher education.
The minister also unveiled policy adjustments for Education and Agriculture-related programmes, noting that candidates in those fields may enjoy more flexible admission considerations under the new framework.
The meeting also featured discussions on admission guidelines, institutional quotas, and cut-off marks for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
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