Federal Government Retains 16-Year Minimum Age for Tertiary Admissions

 The Federal Government has officially retained 16 years as the minimum age for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. This decision follows extensive consultations and policy reviews aimed at balancing academic readiness with inclusivity in the nation's education system. 

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the position on Monday, May 11, 2026, during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions held in Abuja. 

The 16-year limit is official and mandatory for all universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.Admissions must be processed through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), with age verified using the National Identification Number (NIN) or birth certificates.

The government warned that any head of an institution who bypasses the age requirement or conducts admissions outside the CAPS framework will face prosecution. 

This move effectively reverses a previous proposal to set the minimum age at 18, which had generated significant debate among education stakeholders. The government maintains that 16 years aligns with the standard progression of the Nigerian 6-3-3-4 education system.