The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially confirmed that the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria remains 16 years for the 2025/2026 academic session. This clarification comes after earlier confusion surrounding a proposed increase in the minimum entry age to 18 years.
The confirmation was made through JAMB’s official X handle (@JAMBHQ) in response to a query from a concerned user regarding the eligibility of 16-year-old candidates to sit for the 2025 UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination).
The Announcement on Social Media
On December 8, 2024, a user named Nina Lives (@DaEntertai85167) raised an important question on X (formerly Twitter):
“@JAMBHQ Good Morning Here. Please can someone at the age of 16 buy the 2025 JAMB form and process his/her admission now because we all know previously, it was 18 years as declared by the federal government.”
In response, JAMB (@JAMBHQ) clarified:
*“@DaEntertain85167, the 18 years entry age declaration has been revoked by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa. For now, *16 years remains the entry age to tertiary institutions in Nigeria.”
This response quickly gained traction on social media, with over 10.6K views and thousands of engagements, as students, parents, and education stakeholders sought clarity on the matter.
The Backstory: Why the Age Policy Was Confusing
Earlier in 2024, there were discussions about raising the minimum age for admission from 16 to 18 years. The idea was introduced to ensure that students entering higher institutions were mature enough to handle academic and social pressures.
However, after extensive consultations and feedback from education stakeholders, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Honourable Minister of Education, officially reversed the policy. He emphasized that the 16-year benchmark aligns with Nigeria’s National Policy on Education, which sets the admission benchmark at that age.
What This Means for JAMB 2025 Candidates
- Eligibility for Registration:
If you are at least 16 years old by August 31, 2025, you can register for the JAMB UTME and proceed with the admission process. - Gifted Students:
Exceptionally gifted students below 16 years may still gain admission if they meet academic and institutional requirements. - No Age Barrier:
There is no upper age limit for JAMB registration. Older candidates are also eligible to sit for the examination and gain admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Reactions from Students and Parents on Social Media
The clarification from JAMB sparked a wave of reactions across social media platforms. Many students and parents shared their concerns, while others expressed relief and gratitude for the clarification.
1. Public Concerns About the Policy Reversal
From the South 🇳🇬 (@Sammat127)
“I think more publicity should be put out on this because, to be honest, until now, I wasn’t aware that it has been revoked.”
2. Age Eligibility Questions
Greko_fi (@OtomeodoG2273)
“Can 17 years write JAMB now?”
These reactions highlight the ongoing concerns students face regarding the JAMB registration process and policy changes. It also emphasizes the importance of timely communication from JAMB and education authorities.
What Candidates Should Do Next
- Start Preparing Early: Candidates should focus on studying using the JAMB syllabus and practicing with JAMB past questions.
- Monitor JAMB Updates: Follow the official JAMB website and their verified social media handles for timely updates.
- Gather Required Documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents, including your National Identification Number (NIN), O’Level results, and passport photographs.
FAQs
What is the minimum age for JAMB 2025?
The minimum age for JAMB registration remains 16 years for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Can a 15-year-old write JAMB in 2025?
Only exceptionally gifted students under 16 years might be considered for admission.
Is there an upper age limit for JAMB registration?
No, there is no maximum age limit for JAMB.
Why was the age limit proposal reversed?
The proposal was reversed to align with Nigeria’s National Policy on Education, which sets the minimum age benchmark at 16 years.
Final Thoughts
The clarification from JAMB (@JAMBHQ) and the Minister of Education has brought clarity and relief to thousands of students preparing for the 2025/2026 UTME.
As we approach January 2025, when JAMB registration is expected to begin, candidates are advised to stay updated with official announcements, avoid misinformation, and focus on preparation.
Share this article with your friends, classmates, and parents to keep everyone informed about the JAMB age policy for 2025! 🚀
My nin date of birth is different from my neco date of birth but it is just a day that is different from it but it Same month Same year But I had already did affidavit with the neco result date of birth so they will be able to upload my result with jamb right please enlight me
Please can a child that will be 16 on November of the year register for Jamb?
Yes, they can but they’ll need to fill the under 16 form
Can a child that will be 16 in November of the year register for Jamb?
Please am turning 16september can I write jamb
Yes you can but you’ll have to fill the underage form
Please, let December 31st, 2025 be the limit date for clocking 16, not August 2025.
My Son will be 16 by October 14th, 2025..
Please, I’m turning 16 by October. Can I write
Will be 16 by April 12 can I buy jamb form
I will be 16 years by November 16th this year, why am not allowed to register for JAMB freely without strings attached as my peers who will be 16 years by August, I think we are in the same age bracket. I feel cheated and left out.
Same here I’ll be 16 by September 29th as long as we are turning 16 this year they should consider us 😭😭😭 I feel backward
This is not fair in anyway I was denied admission this year now u’re telling me I should not write jamb I’ll be 16 by September pls as long as it’s the same year u guys should consider us pls