FG delays implementation of 18 years minimum age requirement for tertiary admission to 2025

In a surprising turn of events, Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman has decided to postpone the enforcement of the minimum age requirement of 18 years for admission into tertiary institutions.

This decision comes after stakeholders vehemently opposed the initial directive during an ongoing policy meeting organized by JAMB in Abuja.

Initially, Mamman had instructed JAMB to admit only candidates who had reached the age of 18, sparking criticism from attendees who argued that it was unreasonable to bar 16-year-olds who had successfully passed WAEC and JAMB from admission.

READ ALSO:Again, Nigerian govt says no admission for students below 18 years, warns JAMB, institutions

In response to the feedback from stakeholders, the minister revised his stance, agreeing that applicants aged 16 years and above would remain eligible for admission this year.

However, he affirmed that the minimum age requirement of 18 years would be enforced starting from the following year.

This adjustment marks a significant policy shift in Nigeria’s education sector, aiming to balance concerns over maturity and academic achievement among prospective students.

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