The Federal Government has retained 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

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

He said the decision followed extensive consultations and policy reviews involving key stakeholders in the education sector.

According to the minister, the policy is intended to strike a balance between academic readiness and inclusiveness within Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

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

Alausa explained that while government recognises that some exceptionally gifted candidates may satisfy academic requirements before the stipulated age, such cases would be considered only under clearly defined and strictly enforced guidelines.

He noted that the framework is aimed at ensuring that early admission does not undermine the maturity and preparedness required for tertiary education.

The minister also announced policy adjustments affecting specific disciplines, including education and agriculture-related programmes, where candidates may now benefit from more flexible admission considerations under the new framework.

The announcement formed part of wider deliberations at the 2026 policy meeting, which also focused on admission guidelines, institutional quotas and cut-off marks for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.