JAMB has announced that the minimum admission age into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education remains 16 years, while exceptional underage candidates will undergo strict verification before admission.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has confirmed that the minimum age requirement for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria remains 16 years.
The announcement was made during the 2026 JAMB Policy Meeting, where stakeholders discussed admission guidelines and policies for the upcoming academic session.
According to the Board, the age requirement is in line with existing admission regulations, with reference made to Section 7, Subsection 2 of the admission guidelines.
JAMB, however, stated that provision still exists for exceptionally brilliant underage candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
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The Board explained that such candidates must officially register as underage applicants and provide a signed undertaking confirming their exceptional academic ability.
It was further emphasized that admissions granted to underage or exceptional candidates will undergo a strict verification and approval process before they can be considered valid.
The Board noted that the policy is intended to maintain educational standards while ensuring that only genuinely outstanding underage candidates are considered for admission.
JAMB also reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing transparency and compliance in the admission process across all tertiary institutions in the country.