The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced on Thursday that universities and other tertiary institutions in the country are now permitted to admit candidates who will turn 16 by August 31, 2025.
The board stated that eligible candidates may be admitted for the 2024/2025 academic session, provided they meet the institution’s requirements.
Contrary to the 2024 policy meeting’s decision, which set the minimum admission age at 16 for this year and 18 for next year, some institutions have declined students under 18, effectively ignoring the agreed-upon policy, The development sparked responses from parents and other concerned citizens, who shared varying opinions on the issue.
However, in a statement released on Thursday by its Public Relations Officer, Fabian Benjamin, JAMB announced that due to some institutions extending their admission periods until July 2025, they will permit institutions to admit candidates who will turn 16 by August 31, 2025.
“This measure is aimed at ensuring fairness, as candidates whose 2024 admissions extend until August 2025 will not receive undue advantage. Any institution that insists on the 16-year age requirement being met within 2024 is entirely free to do so,” the statement added.
