Federal Ministry of Education Debunks Misleading Claims on Minimum Age for JSS1, University Admission

By Emmanuel Kwada

‎The Federal Ministry of Education has issued a stern rebuttal to a misleading report by The Punch Newspaper, which falsely claimed that the Federal Government set a new minimum age of 12 years for admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1). In a press release dated July 25, 2025, the Ministry categorically denied the report, labeling it inaccurate and unverified, with no basis in official government policy.

‎The Ministry clarified that the minimum age for JSS1 admission remains 10 years, and no child should complete primary education below this age. Any contrary suggestions are deemed misleading and should be disregarded by the public and education stakeholders.

‎Furthermore, Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, reiterated that the prescribed minimum age for university admission in Nigerian universities is 16 years.

This non-negotiable policy, applicable uniformly regardless of how early a student completes secondary education, aims to ensure cognitive and emotional readiness for higher academic engagement.

‎The prescribed minimum age for university admission in Nigerian universities is 16 years

‎The Ministry urged the public, educational institutions, and media organizations to verify information through official channels before acting or publishing unverified claims.

It emphasized its commitment to transparency and developmental appropriateness in implementing educational policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

‎The statement was signed by Boriowo Folasade (Mrs.), Director of Press and Public Relations.