The Federal Ministry of Education has officially dismissed reports claiming that the entry age for Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1) has been increased to 12 years. The Ministry made it clear that the minimum age for admission into JSS1 remains 10 years, as previously established, and no adjustments have been made to that policy.
This clarification followed the circulation of an online report, which inaccurately suggested that the Ministry had raised the entry age for secondary school students. In response, the Ministry released a formal statement through its Director of Press, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, to set the record straight and assure the public of the continued implementation of existing guidelines.
According to the statement issued on Friday in Abuja and reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Ministry labeled the report as misleading and factually incorrect. It stressed that the article did not reflect any authorized policy of the Federal Ministry of Education.
“The Federal Ministry of Education has debunked a misleading report by The Punch Newspaper claiming that the minimum age for admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1) has been raised to 12 years,” the Ministry emphasized in its statement.
To avoid any ambiguity, the Ministry clearly stated that the prescribed age for JSS1 enrollment remains 10 years. It also reinforced the importance of this benchmark by advising that no child should complete primary education before turning 10.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the minimum age for admission into JSS1 remains 10 years. Accordingly, no child should complete primary education below the age of 10,” the statement reiterated.
University Entry Age Also Clarified
In addition to reaffirming the JSS1 admission age, the Ministry used the opportunity to clarify its position on university admission age requirements. According to the statement, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has restated that 16 years remains the minimum age for admission into any Nigerian tertiary institution. He emphasized that regardless of how quickly a student completes secondary school, no one should be admitted to university before reaching the age of 16.
Dr. Alausa explained that the rationale behind maintaining this minimum age is to ensure that students are not only academically qualified but also mentally and emotionally prepared to face the rigors of higher education. According to him, admitting students at an inappropriately young age could lead to developmental and psychological challenges, even if they possess strong academic records.
The Minister further warned tertiary institutions against manipulating student age records to gain early admissions. He emphasized that institutions found violating the age policy would face sanctions, and such infractions would not be tolerated under the current administration.
A Recent History of Admission Age Reforms
This recent clarification comes amid a series of policy fluctuations regarding age requirements for school admissions in Nigeria. In early 2024, the Ministry under the leadership of then-Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman made a controversial announcement, raising the minimum age for university admission to 18 years. At the same time, the Ministry directed examination bodies such as WAEC and NECO to disallow candidates younger than 18 years from participating in their national examinations.
That policy sparked widespread backlash from parents, private schools, and members of the National Assembly. Many criticized the decision as unrealistic, given the varying educational advancement of students across the country. Several argued that children who start school early or skip grades due to exceptional performance should not be penalized by a rigid age barrier.
As a result of this intense pushback, the policy was eventually relaxed to accommodate candidates aged 16 and 17, especially those who were academically gifted and had already completed their senior secondary education.
Later, following the October 2024 cabinet reshuffle, Dr. Tunji Alausa assumed the role of Minister of Education. Upon taking office, one of his first moves was to reverse the contentious 18-year policy. In July 2025, Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the 16-year benchmark for university entry, while also introducing guidelines that would allow exceptionally talented or gifted students under 16 to gain admission. However, their ages must be fully documented, and schools must maintain transparency to avoid future complications.
Continued Vigilance Against Misinformation
In light of recent events and the proliferation of misinformation, the Ministry of Education strongly advised parents, guardians, school administrators, and media platforms to rely solely on verified statements released by the Ministry. It also encouraged stakeholders to disregard unsubstantiated claims that do not come from official sources.
“We urge parents, schools, and the media to refrain from spreading unverified information and instead seek clarification directly from the Ministry,” said Mrs. Boriowo, emphasizing the need for accuracy in educational reporting.
The Ministry pledged its commitment to transparency and assured the public that any future changes in educational policies, especially those concerning age requirements, would be communicated through appropriate channels.
Importance of Age Standards in Nigeria’s Education System
Setting minimum age requirements for school admissions plays a vital role in Nigeria’s education strategy. These policies ensure that students are developmentally ready for the academic and social challenges that come with each educational level. The goal is to strike a balance between academic excellence and cognitive maturity, so students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Starting formal education too early or progressing too quickly without adequate psychological development can lead to learning difficulties, social isolation, and emotional strain. The Ministry’s insistence on age benchmarks aims to mitigate such risks while still creating avenues for talented children to advance where appropriate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Federal Ministry of Education has firmly dismissed the claim that the minimum age for JSS1 admission has been raised to 12 years. The official policy remains unchanged—10 years for Junior Secondary School entry and 16 years for university admission. The Ministry has advised the public to rely on official information channels and continues to urge institutions to uphold integrity in their admission processes.
As Nigeria continues to reform its educational framework, especially in light of technological advancements and demographic shifts, the government remains committed to crafting inclusive, balanced, and forward-looking policies that prioritize both academic competence and student well-being.
