FG Mandates JAMB to Enforce 18 Years as Minimum Age for Tertiary Institution Admissions

The Minister of Education recently announced a significant directive regarding the admission age for tertiary institutions. This decision aims to align educational practices with the existing 6-3-3-4 system.

The New Directive

The Federal Government has instructed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to enforce a minimum age requirement of 18 years for entry into tertiary institutions. This announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, during the 2024 Policy meeting of JAMB in Abuja.

Rationale Behind the Decision

The minister emphasized that this directive adheres to Nigeria’s educational framework, which outlines that students should:

• Start primary school at six years (some may start at five).
• Spend six years in primary school.
• Complete three years of basic education.
• Finish three years of secondary education.

The enforcement of the 18-year minimum age is not a new rule but a reinforcement of existing laws governing admissions into tertiary institutions. The minister highlighted concerns about parents pressuring their underage children to gain admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education prematurely.

Mixed Reactions

The directive received varied responses from vice-chancellors, rectors, and registrars present at the meeting. Despite the mixed reactions, the minister stood firm on the decision, stating that adherence to this age benchmark is essential for maintaining educational standards.

Minister’s Statement

“JAMB is hereby instructed from admission this year to admit only eligible students, that is, those who have attained 18 years by our laws,” said Minister Tahir Mamman. He reiterated that this position is supported by the legal framework of Nigeria and should not require a ministerial statement to be implemented.

Skills Development Initiative

Professor Mamman also mentioned that the Ministry of Education is introducing skill acquisition programs for pupils starting from primary school. This initiative aims to provide alternative pathways for students who may not gain admission into tertiary institutions immediately.

This policy ensures that students are adequately prepared for higher education, maintaining the integrity and quality of Nigeria’s educational system.