FG makes U-turn, sets 16 as minimum age for tertiary institution admission

The Education Minister Prof Tahir Mamman has walked back on his earlier statement directing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, to admit only candidates who have attained 18 years in tertiary institutions. 

Mamman on Thursday, July 18, in an ongoing policy meeting organised by JAMB, in Abuja, announced that only applicants who were 18 years and above were eligible for admission.

Stakeholders in the meeting kicked against his statement, noting that it is illogical for a 16-year-old student to pass WAEC, JAMB and be denied admission.

The minister later accepted the suggestions of the stakeholders and agreed that students 16 years and above should be eligible for this year’s admission, while the 18 years age requirement would apply from next year.