JAMB 2024 Age Policy Update: Institutions Can Now Admit Candidates Turning 16 by August 2025
Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) allows institutions to admit candidates aged 15, provided they turn 16 by August 2025.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) has provided an update regarding the minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions for the 2024/2025 academic session.
In a letter addressed to vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts, JAMB has made adjustments that allow institutions to admit younger candidates who will reach the required age within the specified timeframe.
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JAMB’s New Age Admission Rule
Initially, JAMB directed that only candidates aged 16 and above should be considered for admission for the 2024/2025 session.
The cut-off date for this requirement was set for 31st December 2024.
However, in the latest development, JAMB now permits candidates who are currently 15 years old but will turn 16 by 31st August 2025 to be considered for admission.
Flexibility for Institutions
This decision gives tertiary institutions the flexibility to admit qualified candidates who were previously ineligible solely due to their age.
JAMB’s letter, signed by Muhammed Babaji on behalf of the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, emphasizes that this change will ensure fairness for students whose admission period might extend through August 2025.
Institutional Discretion
While JAMB has eased the age requirement, it also leaves room for institutions that prefer to stick to the original age limit of 16 years by December 2024.
Institutions are free to maintain their policies without any pressure from the board.
Action Required from Institutions
Institutions are asked to review their CAPS (Central Admission Processing System) and submit a list of candidates who will meet the age requirement between January and August 2025.
This list should be submitted within a week of receiving the letter from JAMB.
The goal is to ensure that all eligible candidates have a fair chance, regardless of when they turn 16.
This new guideline ensures that no student is unfairly disadvantaged due to age restrictions as long as they meet the set academic standards.