FG Denies Report of New Minimum Age Requirement for JSS1, University Admission

The Federal Government has debunked a recent media report claiming it has introduced a new minimum age requirement of 12 years for admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1), describing the information as false and misleading.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Federal Ministry of Education, through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, clarified that the official policy on the minimum age for JSS1 remains 10 years.

She emphasized that the false report did not originate from any official source and does not represent the position of the Federal Government.

“The Federal Ministry of Education has noted with concern a false and misleading publication in a newspaper claiming that the Federal Government has set a new minimum age of 12 years for admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1).

The Ministry wishes to categorically state that this report is entirely inaccurate, did not emanate from any official source, and does not reflect government policy,” the statement read.

It further stressed that no child should complete primary education below the age of 10, and any claims to the contrary should be disregarded by the public and education stakeholders.

The ministry also used the opportunity to reaffirm the long-standing policy regarding university admission, stating that the minimum age for entry into any Nigerian university remains 16 years. According to the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, this benchmark is consistent, non-negotiable, and critical for ensuring that students are cognitively and emotionally prepared for the rigours of tertiary education.

“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has reiterated that the prescribed minimum age for admission into Nigerian universities is 16 years.

This policy is consistent, non-negotiable, and applies uniformly, regardless of how early a student may have completed secondary education,” the statement added.

The Ministry called on the public, media organisations, and educational institutions to always verify information through official government channels before dissemination.

It assured Nigerians of its commitment to policy transparency and the developmental appropriateness of all educational initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

This clarification comes amid growing public concern and confusion following the publication of the earlier report. The Ministry reiterated its resolve to maintain standards that ensure Nigerian students receive education in a structured, age-appropriate manner.