Federal Government Removes Age Limit for Admission in Nigeria

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced a major change in Nigeria’s education requirements.

At his first press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, he shared that the 18-year admission age benchmark for higher institutions has been abolished.

This change may lead to a review of the nation’s overall education policy.

Impact on Foreign Degrees

Dr Alausa confirmed that the government’s recent action to annul over 22,700 degrees from certain “unapproved” universities in Togo and Benin Republic remains in place.

These degrees, obtained by Nigerians, are deemed invalid due to concerns about the institutions’ credibility.

Past Age Requirements for Exams

In August, the government had reaffirmed that candidates under 18 years should not sit for the National Examinations Council (NECO) and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams.

This policy was first highlighted by former Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.

WAEC and NECO were both instructed to apply the 18-year age requirement for exam candidates.

This directive is not a new rule but an enforcement of prior regulations.

Changes to JAMB Admission Policies

Dr Alausa mentioned that JAMB held a meeting in July to discuss age requirements with education stakeholders.

During this meeting, JAMB agreed to accept students under 18 for university admissions this year as a grace period.

From next year, students will need to be 18 years or older to gain admission to Nigerian universities.

Exemption for Outstanding Students

In a later update, the government decided to allow exceptionally talented students under 18 to take the WASSCE and NECO exams.

These exceptions aim to support gifted students in advancing through education without delays.

This policy shift brings flexibility to students who meet high academic standards but are younger than 18.