The Federal Government has retained 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions across the country, reaffirming a policy introduced in July 2025.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the decision on Monday during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja.

According to the minister, the policy followed extensive consultations and reviews aimed at striking a balance between inclusivity and academic preparedness.

“Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, government has maintained sixteen years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions,” Alausa said.

“This position reflects a careful balance between inclusivity and academic readiness. 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.”

The policy effectively sustains the reversal of the position earlier introduced by former Education Minister, Tahir Mamman.

Alausa stressed that maintaining the integrity of the admission process remains critical to restoring confidence in Nigeria’s education system. He warned tertiary institutions against conducting admissions outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) managed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, noting that such admissions would be deemed illegal and invalid.

“The integrity of the admissions process is the foundation upon which the legitimacy of our institutions rests,” the minister stated.

“I have resisted many attempts at condoning illegality in the admissions process. Any institution found to have conducted admissions outside the CAPS will be held accountable, and appropriate sanctions shall be applied without hesitation.”

He further warned that institutions violating the approved admission procedures could face severe sanctions, including the suspension of operating licences and other regulatory measures.

The minister added that the Federal Government would continue strict enforcement of the policy to restore order and credibility to the nation’s tertiary education system.

Speaking on reforms in the sector, Alausa said the government was intensifying efforts toward digitalisation, including the full adoption of computer-based testing for national examinations.

“The global shift towards digitalisation is not a distant prospect; it is an immediate necessity,” he said.

He also disclosed that the government had strengthened measures against examination malpractice through enhanced verification systems and improved supervision mechanisms.

In addition, the minister urged heads of tertiary institutions to integrate artificial intelligence and digital competencies into their curricula to meet evolving global standards.