By Abiola Olawale
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially set the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions at 16 years, effective from the 2024 academic session.
This development has expectedly triggered reactions with many wondering why the need to undertake such a policy at this material time.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said this on Tuesday while declaring open the ongoing Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, in Abuja.
Alausa also warned that any admission conducted outside of the Central Admission Processing System, CAPS, would be illegal and perpetrators would be prosecuted.
He warned that the heads of institutions found to be engaged in admission fraud would face prosecution.
This announcement solidifies a stance that has seen some back-and-forth discussions in the past.
There had been previous reports and debates about setting the minimum age at 18, but it appears the government has now firmly settled on 16.
