By our reporter 11.5.2026
The Federal government is maintaining its stance that students under 16 years shouldn’t get University admission in Nigeria.
Minister of Education Tunji Alausa restated the Federal government’s position during the 2026 policy meeting on admissions to tertiary institutions held in Abuja.
He said that though the government recognises the cases of exceptionally gifted children, there should a balance between inclusivity and academic readiness.
“Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, government has maintained sixteen years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions.
“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,” Alausa said.
Meanwhile the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said cut off mark for the 2026/27 academic year is 150.
For Colleges of Nursing is also 150, while for polytechnic admission and for those seeking admission would not be made to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Students writing WAEC exams...