FG Announces New Admission Policy for Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: In a major development that will affect students across the country, the Federal Government has introduced a new policy concerning the admission process into Nigerian tertiary institutions. This announcement was made at the 2025 JAMB Policy Meeting, which is known for setting the rules and guidelines for university, polytechnic, and college of education admissions every year.
Speaking during the meeting held in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized the need for proper regulation in the admission process. According to him, Nigeria’s education system must maintain high standards to ensure that students are not only qualified on paper but are also mentally and emotionally prepared for higher education.
One of the key highlights of the policy meeting was the need for schools to strictly follow the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). The Minister made it clear that no institution is allowed to admit any student outside CAPS, and any school that tries to do so will be engaging in an illegal act. He further stated that heads of institutions who bypass this process could face legal consequences.
Over the years, many institutions have been accused of irregular admission practices, which has led to confusion and unfairness for candidates. This new push for full CAPS compliance is part of the government’s effort to improve transparency, accountability, and fairness in the admission process.
In addition, the government is taking steps to address another long-debated issue — the age of candidates seeking admission. For years, there has been confusion about the right age for students entering higher institutions. In 2024, a policy was proposed to peg the minimum age at 18, but it received strong criticism from many stakeholders, including parents, students, and educators. Many argued that several students complete secondary school before turning 18 and should not be punished for being academically ahead.
As a result of this feedback, the Federal Government has now made a final decision.
Candidates must now be at least 16 years old before they can be admitted into any university, polytechnic, or college of education in Nigeria.
This new age rule is now official, non-negotiable, and must be strictly followed. According to the Minister, the decision was made to strike a balance between cognitive maturity and academic readiness, ensuring that students are well-prepared for life in higher institutions.
Dr. Alausa warned that any admission carried out outside these guidelines will be treated as illegal and will attract sanctions.
As the 2025/2026 admission process begins, students, parents, and school administrators are advised to take note of these updates. With the new rules in place, it is now more important than ever to stay informed and follow the correct procedures.
For more admission news and updates, join our WHATSAPP CHANNEL and stay ahead.
