“Admission Age Into JSS Is 10 Years, University Remains 16 Years,” Says Education Minister.
Dr Tunji Alausa, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, has reaffirmed that the minimum age for admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1) remains 10 years, while the minimum age for university admission stays at 16 years. Speaking on Channels Television’s *Politics Today* on 29 July 2025, the minister addressed widespread misinformation regarding changes to these age requirements, providing clarity for parents, students, and education stakeholders across Nigeria.
The minister firmly debunked a report falsely claiming the Federal Government had raised the JSS1 admission age to 12 years. “The admission age into JSS is 10 years, it’s not 12 years,” Dr Alausa stated, reinforcing the National Policy on Education, which mandates six years of primary schooling starting at age five. This ensures students are approximately 10 years old when entering junior secondary school, maintaining a consistent progression through the education system.
For university admissions, Dr Alausa confirmed that the minimum age remains 16, overturning a controversial 18-year policy introduced in 2024 by his predecessor, Tahir Mamman. The earlier policy had sparked concerns among parents and school proprietors, who argued it could delay the academic progress of gifted students. The return to the 16-year benchmark, announced in November 2024, reflects a balance between ensuring students’ cognitive and emotional readiness for tertiary education and allowing flexibility for exceptional cases. The minister warned tertiary institutions against falsifying age records, with strict penalties for non-compliance.
Dr Alausa’s clarification is part of broader efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s education sector. Since taking office in October 2024, he has championed reforms, including a proposed transition to a 12-year basic education model to replace the existing 9-3-4 system. This new framework aims to deliver a seamless curriculum, enhancing learning outcomes. Additionally, the ministry is pushing for a skills-based curriculum, with 80% of content focused on practical training to improve graduate employability.
Public reactions, as seen in posts on X, have welcomed the minister’s decisive response to misinformation. Education stakeholders have praised the consistency of the 10-year and 16-year age policies, though many continue to call for improvements in infrastructure, teacher welfare, and reducing the number of out-of-school children, estimated at over 10 million.
By upholding these admission age standards, Dr Alausa’s leadership underscores a commitment to fairness and accessibility in education. As Nigeria strives to align its education system with global benchmarks, these policies ensure students can progress without unnecessary barriers, paving the way for a more equitable and robust academic future.
