The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that universities and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria can now admit candidates who will turn 16 by August 31, 2025, for the 2024/2025 academic session. This adjustment provides flexibility for candidates who meet the institutions’ admission standards.
Earlier this year, the minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions was set at 16 years during the 2024 Policy Meeting. Initially, the cut-off date was established as December 31, 2024, sparking various reactions from parents and stakeholders. The age limit prompted debate among concerned citizens, with some supporting the decision while others voiced concerns about its impact on prospective students.
In response to the feedback and to accommodate the varying academic calendars of institutions, JAMB, through its Public Relations Officer Fabian Benjamin, issued a statement on Thursday confirming the change. The board acknowledged that some institutions extend their admission periods until July 2025, and to ensure fairness, candidates turning 16 by August 31, 2025, will now be eligible for admission.
“This effort is to ensure equity because those whose 2024 admission would last till August 2025 would not be unduly favoured,” JAMB clarified. The statement also emphasized that institutions retain the freedom to maintain their original age requirement if they prefer the age to be within the year 2024.
JAMB’s decision highlights its commitment to accommodating the diverse academic timelines of tertiary institutions while promoting fair access to education for candidates who are close to meeting the age criteria. The announcement is expected to bring relief to students and parents who were previously concerned about missing out on admission opportunities due to age restrictions.
As institutions across the country prepare for the 2024/2025 academic session, this new policy provides them with the flexibility to admit qualified candidates while ensuring compliance with JAMB’s standards.
