JAMB Eases Age Restrictions, Allows Varsities to Admit Students Below 16
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced a significant update to its admission policy, allowing tertiary institutions across Nigeria to admit students younger than 16, provided they meet certain conditions.
This new directive primarily applies to the 2024/2025 academic session, where students as young as 15 can now secure admission, as long as they turn 16 by August 2025.
In a letter addressed to vice-chancellors, provosts, and rectors of universities, polytechnics, and colleges, JAMB detailed the new provisions, outlining a more flexible approach to admission age requirements. The letter, signed by Muhammed Babaji on behalf of JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, explained the board’s decision to adjust its policy to accommodate candidates who would have otherwise been disqualified based on age.
“Institutions can now admit candidates aged 15 provided they will be 16 by the 31st of August 2025,” the statement read. “This decision aims to accommodate candidates who, due to age, would have been disqualified from admission but will meet the age requirement before the conclusion of the academic session.”
This updated policy marks a shift from JAMB’s previous directive, which mandated that all candidates be at least 16 years old by December 31, 2024, to qualify for admission. The revision provides a broader window for younger candidates, giving them a chance to participate in the admission process without being restricted by age constraints.
However, JAMB clarified that while this flexibility is available, institutions retain the autonomy to set their own age requirements. The board emphasized that schools wishing to enforce stricter age policies are free to do so.
“Any institution that insists on its 16 years being within the year 2024 is completely free to do so,” the letter stated. “This effort is to ensure equity, as those whose 2024 admission lasts till August 2025 would not be unduly favoured.”
This development is expected to bring relief to many young candidates who would have been excluded from the 2024/2025 academic session, offering them a fair opportunity to further their education.
JAMB Eases Age Restrictions, Allows Varsities to Admit Students Below 16
