JAMB Revises Policy, Allows Universities To Admit 16-Year-Old Students With Conditions
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reversed its earlier stance, allowing tertiary institutions to admit 16-year-old students for the 2024/2025 academic session, provided the students meet the institution’s admission criteria and are not disqualified solely due to age.
In a circular issued to institutions on Thursday, JAMB directed universities to compile and submit the list of candidates who will turn 16 between January 1 and August 31, 2025, to enable a final decision on their admission.
The circular referenced the 2024 Policy Meeting, where the minimum age for admission was set at 16 years. Initially, the cut-off date for age eligibility was December 31, 2024. However, JAMB has now extended this cut-off, recognizing that some institutions’ admissions may continue until July 2025.
“Institutions can admit students who meet the age requirement by August 31, 2025, as long as they qualify in all other aspects,” JAMB stated, without altering any institution’s existing policy on minimum age.
The board requested institutions to submit the list of eligible candidates within one week of receiving the circular, ensuring fairness for candidates in the ongoing admission process.
Institutions are also free to maintain stricter age requirements if they choose, JAMB noted.
