The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Nigeria. Every year, millions of candidates register for this examination with hopes of gaining admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.
One major concern for candidates and their parents is the age requirement for JAMB registration and admission into higher institutions. Recently, there have been policy changes regarding the age limit, causing confusion among candidates and stakeholders.
In this article, we will explain the current JAMB age limit for 2025/2026, the reasons behind the policy changes, and everything you need to know to prepare effectively.
Understanding the JAMB Age Limit Policy for 2025/2026
What Is the Current Age Requirement for JAMB Registration?
The minimum age requirement for JAMB registration remains 16 years. This means that candidates who will be at least 16 years old by August 31, 2025, are eligible to sit for the JAMB UTME and apply for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
This policy aligns with the National Policy on Education, which recommends 16 years as the minimum age for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Reversal of the Proposed 18-Year Age Limit
Earlier, JAMB announced plans to increase the minimum age for admission to 18 years, starting from the 2025/2026 academic year. This decision was met with strong opposition from students, parents, and educational stakeholders.
On November 5, 2024, the newly appointed Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, reversed this policy. He emphasized that the 16-year benchmark aligns with the National Policy on Education and ensures broader access to tertiary education.
Special Consideration for Gifted Students
The Minister also clarified that gifted students under 16 years of age will still be allowed to gain admission if they meet the academic requirements. This ensures that exceptionally talented individuals are not excluded from advancing their education due to age restrictions.
Why Did JAMB Consider Raising the Age Limit to 18?
Although the policy was reversed, it’s important to understand why JAMB initially proposed raising the minimum age to 18 years:
- Maturity and Preparedness: An 18-year-old candidate is considered more mature and better equipped to handle the academic and social pressures of tertiary education.
- Alignment with Global Standards: Many countries set their tertiary admission age at 18 to ensure candidates have completed secondary education fully.
- Improving Academic Outcomes: The idea was that older candidates might perform better academically due to increased maturity.
However, the reversal to 16 years reflects the need to maintain inclusivity and avoid unnecessary delays in students’ academic progression.
Implications of the 16-Year Age Requirement for Candidates
For Students Planning to Write JAMB in 2025/2026
If you will be 16 years old by August 31, 2025, you are fully eligible to:
- Register for the JAMB UTME.
- Apply for admission into universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education.
For Gifted Students Below 16
Gifted students under 16 years may still gain admission if they meet the required academic and institutional standards. Schools will evaluate such candidates on a case-by-case basis.
For Parents and Guardians
Parents should ensure their children’s academic progression aligns with the 16-year minimum requirement to avoid complications during registration.
Is There a Maximum Age Limit for JAMB?
One frequently asked question is whether there’s a maximum age limit for sitting the JAMB exam. The answer is NO. There is no upper age restriction for writing the JAMB UTME or gaining admission into higher institutions in Nigeria.
Whether you are 25, 40, or even 60 years old, you are still eligible to write JAMB and pursue higher education as long as you meet other academic requirements.
How to Prepare for JAMB if You Meet the Age Requirement
Once you confirm your eligibility based on the 16-year minimum age requirement, here are practical steps to prepare effectively for JAMB UTME:
- Register Early: Avoid last-minute rush by completing your registration as soon as the JAMB registration portal opens.
- Study with the JAMB Syllabus: Follow the official JAMB Syllabus to focus on key topics.
- Use Past Questions: Practice with JAMB Past Questions to understand the exam pattern.
- Attend Tutorials: Join a trusted JAMB tutorial center to clarify difficult topics.
- Take Mock Exams: JAMB mock exams help you get familiar with the CBT format.
FAQs
What Is the Age Limit for JAMB in 2025/2026?
The minimum age for writing the JAMB exam is 16 years as of the 2025/2026 academic session.
Can I write JAMB if I’m 15 years old?
No, unless you are a gifted student, you must be at least 16 years old by August 31, 2025, to sit for JAMB.
Why did JAMB initially propose 18 years as the minimum age?
The initial proposal aimed to ensure students were more mature and prepared for higher education. However, the policy has been reversed to maintain inclusivity.
Is there a maximum age for JAMB?
No, there is no maximum age limit. Candidates of any age can take JAMB as long as they meet other requirements.
What should younger students do to prepare?
Students below 16 can focus on their secondary school studies, improve their skills, and participate in extracurricular activities to build a solid foundation for higher education.
Will the age policy change again in the future?
As of now, the minimum age requirement is set at 16 years, and no further changes have been announced.
Conclusion
The JAMB age limit for the 2025/2026 academic session remains at 16 years, following the reversal of the earlier decision to set the minimum age at 18. This change ensures more students can access tertiary education and aligns with Nigeria’s education policy.
If you meet the age requirement and other registration criteria, you can start preparing for the exam with confidence. For those below 16, use the time to strengthen your academic skills and get ready for the journey ahead.
Share this update with others preparing for JAMB to keep them informed!
I don’t think changing the age limit for writing jamb would really be helpful ,I think 16 years Is a good age
Students who finished school at 16 years and wants to go to university but are deprived of that it would make them loose interest in education while trying to wait for the next two years
I understand your point, but if a child begins nursery school at age 3, spends 3 years in nursery, then 6 years in primary school and 6 years in secondary school, that totals 18 years. Therefore, I believe the minimum age requirement of 18 for the JAMB exam is justified.
Most students who finish secondary school before age 17 or 18 likely skipped classes.
No they didn’t. And u can’t start enforcing that law on already done did. O think the age limit should start from jss1 and not sss3 please
You are very right 👍
You are very right 👍
That’s true cuz people in ss1 to ss3 that are not yet 18 when they finish will wait that doesn’t make sense at all
I can’t agree to such a dumb and useless policy, you guy will go and carry your children outside the country and leave the teenagers in Nigeria to suffer this 18 yrs old policy, imagine if it was your child will you allow them to wait for 2-3yrs at home doing nothing, absolutely nothing at all, you guys said we should read so you expect us to read for 2-3 yes straight that doesn’t make any sense at all. y’all are just being wicked just tell me how the age affects Nigeria will it help to solve our problem as a nation will it increase the value of Nigeria’s currency the answer is NO because they give someone small power they want to start making useless decision that can’t increase the development of Nigeria in any way all I know is that they can go through with the policy but let them consider people that are currently in ss2 and ss3 or people was supposed to write jamb this year but did not due to fact that they did not have money they’ll have to wait. this policy can start from ss1 or even jss3 cos I don’t think any teenager will agree to such a policy
This 2025 set is the last set for the literature syllabus and 2026 set is reading a different novel so it will affect us
Good it is going to affect us ,we are now going to buy another school stuff just to do jamb please think 🤔 very well before you make any decisions please we are pleading,help us no need to be arguing between us we can plead to change the policy
So,does this mean that at seventeen you can proceed to take jamb by next year which is 2025.
As far as you are 18th before the time of registration.
I don’t like this, I completed 16 years September 22
So I can’t write jamb next year? What nonsense!
You guys should stop bringing stupid policy, think of how to better your country and not depriving the upcoming ones from going to school at an early age.
Well I won’t be surprised, because it’s usually old people that rule this country so you also want to young ones to turn old and probably miss the chances of going to school, so that they would still be a lot of illiterate in the society.
In shot this country isn’t a country at all, I’m can never be proud to be called a Nigeria.
So what you mean
What of those who are not yet up to 16 but are currently in ss3
Am 17yrs going to 18yrs next year June will it be possible for me
No
I also want to know. Cause I’ll be 18 by next year April…I want to know if I can take the JAMB form.
No, you cant
But, what about a child who started his or her education at the age earlier than 3, what about a child whose genius intellectual capability contributed to his rush in education, don’t forget what the 2022 or 2023 corana virus caused in the education sector, which led to some kids skipping classes, and if this law should be enforced, then it’s should start from the fundamental part which is the kindergarten sector, and also Jss1.
Good day sir. I have a question; if a student will be 18 in 2025 before the JAMB 2025 exam but not before the registration, can the person still write the Jamb exam for that year?
No, you need to be 18 before you can register for JAMB 2025.
Sir? You have to consider we that attended government school
From KG 1-2,4 yrs old,PRY 1-6,10 yrs old and JS1-SS3,16 yrs old
16 yrs is the good age to sit for waec and jamb sir
Dear President, The minister of Education and the associates members of the House of Assembly.
I’m writing to express my concerns about the recent change in JAMB registration age from 16 to 18. This new policy may hinder many young Nigerians’ educational aspirations and opportunities.
The change may disadvantage students who are ready for tertiary education earlier, potentially affecting their academic momentum and future prospects. Additionally, it may increase the burden on students, parents, and the education system as a whole.
In today’s world, children’s development is influenced more by exposure, learning, and experiences than chronological age. Many students are emotionally and intellectually ready for higher education before turning 18.
I respectfully request reconsideration of this policy to ensure our education system supports students’ growth and development. Pls it’s not too late to change your words. Pls consider us .
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Momoh M.O
Please change it back to 16 pls. I can’t turn liability to my parents 😥🙏
I’m also 16
This is really disappointing
Am going to be 17 year next year can I sit for jamb examination
But still 16 is perfect
So if I am 16 by next year 2025 I can’t sit 4 d exam
No they didn’t skip classes most of them started school earlier in age
Accurate
Good policy
Exactly the government should see that 16 years is okay as the jamb age limit they should change it please
Exactly
Students who are 16 years and can’t further is totally dumb
Thanks 16 years of age is the best for students
Yeah, but unfortunately. 18yrs is the minimum age to be eligible to write JAMB in 2025
You’re right
I wrote weac this year and planning on writing jamb next year
And now since I’m 16 years I don’t know if I’ll be able to take jamb exam, it’s so annoying.
Nooo it’s 2 years before entering nursery school, 3 years in nursery, then 5 years in primary school, and then 6 years in secondary school, so that makes up 16 years.
I don’t think this is right, kids who are likely to be 16 yrs can take the jamb to a higher level, if they are being deprived of taking jamb when they’ve planned to, its like depriving them of right to education, imagine a child who has been studying and struggling with study’s just to make it through the exam, being deprived cause of age limit, I sincerely don’t think it is right
There are so many reasons a parent will want its child into early education
So please, 16 yrs should be allowed to take jamb form 🙏🙏
I don’t understand this people
Jamb age limit should be 16 and not 18
This 2025 set is the last set for the literature syllabus and 2026 set is reading a different novel so it will affect us
How about someone who is turning 18 by September next year 2025
How about someone who will be turning 18 next year September 2025
Not eligible, the person must have clocked 18 before the time of registration.
Please we would love to see amendment about students who will be 18 before admission period
Jamb age limit should be 17 instead of 18
So we that are going to clock 18 by may 2025 can’t even sit for the coming jamb what the hell
Pls if I was 17 beginning of the year and I am going to be 18 by August 28 can I seat for the exam
You must be 18 before registering.
What if the candidate will be 18years by December
if you men December 2024, then the person is qualified.
This isn’t fair at all. Ambition/Career doesn’t care how old you are. Then wtf do you want us to do after secondary school, after the several repeatings i receive, now we will putting down on pressure with no school and no job. Pls the government should be wise enough to think about this deceision
Please you people should look into this, for us that would be turning 18 after the resgistration because by the time of addmission we would be 18, so we should be allowed to write and not be limited from our peers atleast those born in 2007.
Thank you sir!
Please sir consider us
How is age limit the problem of nigeria??
I don’t know oo
Exactly
Is not as if we are complaining about it
The problem of Nigeria is not age limit at all,even if Jamb makes it 25 years it doesn’t stop the problem of Nigeria. Leaving a child who finished school at 16 at home for the next two years can make the child forget all he or she learnt in school etc.Jamb should please look into this matter well
I agree with you because a child will lose interest in education after staying at home for two or one year
Please consider us turning 17 next year age doesn’t matter but knowledge
Because knowledge is power
Am 17yrs going to 18yrs next year June will it be possible for me
No
This not fair at all,16 years is okay,it doesn’t make any sense to increase it to 18. So i have to wait for the next 3yearsThis not fair at all,16 years is okay,it doesn’t make any sense to increase it to 18. So i have to wait for the next 3years?
Foolish leaders.
This rule thing makes no sense for real… so even if you’re turning 18 next year July you can’t register?
I thought you only had to be 18 before the commencement of admission..
Please sir, you people should look into it, for those of us that will be 18 next year after the registration. At least we will be 18 before admission sir. Please
Unfortunately, no way out.
Nonsense!!!
Old people and their doings
Just imagine if I would be clocking 18years a day after jamb closing registration date .wouldn’t it be foolish to prevent me from writing jamb .This is why nigeria is like this… unreasonable leaders.
What do u mean unfortunately no way out…. I really don’t understand to the leaders we have now… Nigeria has alot of problems and our so called leaders should focus on how to solve those problems buh instead they want to suffer people the more…. If a child finishes his/her school at 16 wouldn’t he/she have forgotten everything he has learnt in school waiting for 18 yrs .. What the hell.. thus is the most dumb policy I’ve ever seen… Jamb really needs to look into this cuz it’s really a big problem… By 18 yrs many ppl would have lost the interest to still pursue their education…. I really don’t care what policy you guys make cuz all I know is dat I’ll write my Jamb next year cuz God is with me
Well, if you are up to 18yrs by then, you are free to register, also we hope to see an amendment to the policy.
Let’s hope, but for now, the minimum age is 18, anybody below that is not qualified.
How can? Keeping and depriving kids of education cause of some stupid age policy, do you think by then, they will still have interest in education? Of course not! The people who enforced this law are just risking Nigeria more bandits in the future, imagine a child waiting for a whole 3yrs just for jamb🙄
Hahaha!!!! I laugh in Spanish
I think it will be more reasonable if students who will be 18 before admittion be able to write jamb
It not fair me that is 16 next year can it be possible to write jamb next year
Even the nonsense they say they are trying to solve has the tendency of increasing
Nigeria ??? Such a disappointment
I think the age limit should be 16 years and not 18 years….
You guys should consider those people who wanted to take JAMB the year they finished school but due to lack of finance they couldn’t and now they are deprived from taking JAMB again….
What of they where your children, how would you feel…
Consider people feelings that is why you are our leader
I finished my school this year but could not take JAMB and now I would be deprived again from taking it this year because of 18 year requirements???
What if I was your child ????
Think before doing things….
What an unresolved method approach and demeaning effect on the affected under eighteen year old ones.
The correction should begin at entrant into either JSS1 or SSS1 rather making those below eighteen to sit at home which can either make the lose interest in education, join bad groups etc.
The government should please reconsider this for the sake of the immediate future of the affected ones
Okay, 16 to17 + years old is now considered not qualified to write Jamb but qualified to be married off in the northern Nigeria.
The Minister of education National assembly are chasing the shadow.
Don’t mind them.
They want to render all the children useless. God will not allow them.
16years is a fair age and allow the JSS1 to resume at age 12 period.
Abeg na,consider us that will be clocking 18 in august.
I just want to know how we are the problem of Nigeria, look at other countries children of young ages are creating things giving glory to their country, but Nigeria………….a girl at the age of 13 can get married in the north but a good thing like education they are denying us of our right. It doesn’t makes sense pls for the sake of God, you guys should reconsider
You are right though, they made amendment few days ago due to pressure JAMB Extends 16-Year Admission Age Limit to August 2025 Amid Pressure
Thank God
Please you should consider us.
16 years should be the limit age of writing JAMB because I won’t be able to stay for 3 good years at home
Staying at home will make us loss interest in going to school.
Our parents want the best from us so you should consider 16years
I understand, and I believe they might do something about it.
They should please it’s unfair
I think inn the best interest of the Nation called Nigeria, this policy should be reversed and our children should be allowed to write Jamb immediately after finishing their secondary school so far he or she is 16 yrs even if he or she will be 16yrs in December of same year. Also, youths are the future of this country and government should not use their hand to destroy their future by making any policy that can destroy their future. What do we expect the current SS3 doing for the next 3yrs and we all know that an idle hand is devil’s workshop. Everyone in the realm of authority or power should pls reverse this policy for the good of our children, youth and even Nigeria. God bless Nigeria
At least let the current SS2 and SS3 for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 finish first cuz like they are the upper classes in secondary school and some of them will have to spend 2-3 years at home. no nah it will not make sense at all cuz they will all lose their knowledge and many will fail so please oo me i am just saying my mind cuz the law doesnt make sense at all
This is Absolutely wrong. Not nice.
They should leave it At 16. Highest 17. 18 is too far. Children would lost interest in school…
They should consider them.
So me that will be 18 by nov will have to wait till 2026?hmm…who do us?
They have consider we that attended government from kg1-2
Pls this not fair at all at all
With all the struggle my parents have struggle
borrowing money up and to take care of me and my siblings just to educate us
And now i will 17 yrs in next year july
And my plans is to sit for the upcoming 2025 jamb exam
Me that i have reading day and night
Am using 21 hrs out of my 24hrs to read
And now my plan have failed
This thing hurt me like..
It pains me so much
I completed 18 september this year can i write jamb next year
Yes.
I’ll be 16 by next year June, can I write Jamb next year??
No, you can not
Why
I will be 18 years by next year November will that be possible?
It is not fair
You guys are unserious though ,though I think this is right,but this big step is going to leave aloy of students who are 16 disappointed,can they be any means of them getting into higher institutions,can other means be taking thoroughly to sort out this issue
Good evening sir, having going through all this comment. My conclusion in the aspect vs phase of commenting is that: I saw a reply you made which holds my attention is the hope that the policy may change, because us having the faith that it will change it will even help us to be ready and even prepared to know if we are even going to write jamb. Sir, considering the history of our mates that were admitted the previous years. It is somehow that ours is different vs strange. Pls, I believe you have connections to help us plead with other jamb officials to change the policy. Thanks sir.
I believe so, recently they adjusted the policy for 2024/2025 admission process to allow candidates below 18yrs to still get admission, so let’s hope that they will do something about this as well.
Any policy can be changed if need be.
The new minister of education has reversed the age limit.
Yes, though haven’t been confirmed by JAMB
Good evening sir, having gone through all this comment on the issues of this new age policy, The aspect vs phase that I want to comment on is: when you replied on the having hope that the policy may change. Sir, considering the historyof our previous mates that were admitted, it is somehow that ours is quite different. Please Sir, I believe you have connections to help us plead with other jamb officials to change the policy in the view of a decrease in the age restriction. Thanks sir.
Noted.
Okay. Thanks sir. Umm, I commented twice. So sorry, it is a mistake.
Ok.
Please can I register for JAMB because I will turn 16 April
So am I allow to register
Please sir consider us. You leader always want the best from us and our parent to them the age should be 16.
2024 set was 16 yrs up but how can our own sent change to 18.
Sir please with a due respect and God sake please pity us
Sir for us that will be 18 years old by August 30 can we write jamb, please I really want to enter university next year cause all my mates are in the university already,please consider us sir I don’t want to wait another year
You people should try change this policies
Please at least let it be 17 instead of 18
Well, for me i depend on God for i do not know why God make it to be so.
I’ll be clocking 17 by this year February and am sure am writing jamb this year.
What if I’m turning 16 on the 4th of September will I still be able to write jamb this year
Pls I have a sister that is up to 17 years I don’t know if she is qualify for 2025 jamb registration?
I am 15 turning 16 November and I have graduated since last year wrote my first jamb got 203 and wasn’t able to gain admission because of my age now I want to rewrite since I will be 16 this year but The JAMB has made me lose hope now what will I do with my time? even this little time since I have graduated is more than enough please help me 😭😭💔
Same here I wrote jamb last year but couldn’t gain admission because of age now they are telling me I must be 16 by August and the i’m turning 16 by September I’m just frustrated if they can allow people that are turning 16 by August why can’t they consider us we are same age bracket this is extremely frustrating I’m beginning to loose hope
IF I AM 15 BY MARCH CAN I REGISTER FOR JAMB THIS YEAR 2025
Yes
If I’m going to be 15 this year can I write jamb
Pls ur honourable sir consider us the age limit should stop at December it hurts to see ur age mates going forward but u’re not moving pls if u can consider people born on August pls extend it we didn’t birth ourselves.I was denied admission last year now this year this is sooo heart breaking pls 😭😭😭😭