The Federal Government has retained 16 years as the minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the decision on Monday during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja.
According to the minister, the decision followed extensive consultations and policy reviews with major stakeholders in the education sector to ensure a balance between academic preparedness and inclusiveness in tertiary education.
“Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, the government has maintained sixteen (16) years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions,” Alausa said.
He added that the policy was carefully designed to accommodate students’ readiness for higher education while maintaining standards.
“This position reflects a careful balance between inclusivity and academic readiness,” he stated.
The minister, however, acknowledged that some exceptionally gifted candidates may meet admission requirements before the age benchmark but stressed that such admissions would be guided by strict procedures.
“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 said.
He explained that the framework would ensure that early admission for exceptional candidates does not undermine the maturity and preparedness expected of students entering tertiary institutions.
Alausa also disclosed that the Federal Government had introduced policy adjustments for some disciplines, particularly Education and Agriculture-related programmes, where candidates may enjoy more flexible admission considerations.
The announcement formed part of wider deliberations at the 2026 admission policy meeting, where stakeholders are also reviewing admission guidelines, institutional quotas, and cut-off marks for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
