JAMB extends 16-year admission age limit following outrage

JAMB has announced that the policy requiring university admission to be at least 16 years old will not be implemented this year.

Universities and other tertiary institutions now have the authority to admit candidates who will reach 16 by August 31, 2025.

Candidates meeting the institution’s requirements can be admitted for the 2024/2025 academic session.

The decision to set the minimum age for admission at 16 was made at the 2024 Policy Meeting earlier in the year.

Originally planned to take effect on December 31, 2024, the policy caused backlash from parents and concerned citizens.

JAMB has extended the admission period for some institutions until July 2025, allowing institutions to have more flexibility in their admissions process.

“This effort is to ensure equity because those whose 2024 admission would last till August 2025 would not be unduly favoured. Any institution that insists on its 16 years being within the year 2024 is completely free to do so,” the statement added