THE Federal Government has retained 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria, while also announcing that candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes in colleges of education will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
News Point Nigeria reports that the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the decisions on Monday during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja.
Alausa said the decision to retain the 16-year minimum admission age followed extensive consultations and policy reviews involving key stakeholders in the education sector.
According to him, the policy was designed to strike a balance between academic readiness and inclusivity in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
“Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, the government has maintained sixteen (16) years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions,” he said.
“This position reflects a careful balance between inclusivity and academic readiness.”
The minister explained that although the government recognises the existence of exceptionally gifted candidates who may satisfy academic requirements earlier than the stipulated age, such cases would only be considered under strict guidelines.
“While we recognise the existence of exceptionally gifted individuals, such cases must be treated within clearly defined and rigorously enforced guidelines to preserve the integrity of the system as a whole,” Alausa added.
He stated that the framework was aimed at ensuring that early admissions do not compromise the maturity and preparedness required for tertiary education.
The minister also used the platform to introduce policy adjustments affecting specific disciplines, including Education and Agriculture-related programmes, where candidates may now benefit from more flexible admission considerations under the new framework.
Under the new guidelines, candidates seeking admission into NCE programmes who possess a minimum of four O-level credit passes will no longer be required to sit for the UTME.
“Accordingly, candidates seeking admission into the NCE programme, who possess a minimum of four (4) credit passes, will no longer be required to sit for the UTME,” the minister told the gathering.
According to him, the move is intended to reduce the administrative burden on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and to “harness the positive orientation towards the teaching profession”.
He, however, stressed that such candidates would still be required to register with JAMB and undergo proper screening and verification processes before admission letters are issued through the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS).
“However, it is imperative to emphasise that such candidates shall mandatorily register with JAMB, and their credentials shall be duly screened, verified, and certified for the issuance of admission letters through CAPS, in accordance with extant regulations,” he said.
Alausa further disclosed that the exemption would also apply to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
“In the same vein, this exemption shall extend to candidates seeking admission into national diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses,” the minister said.
“This approach strikes a necessary balance between widening access and preserving the integrity of our admission system. It will not only ease the pressure associated with UTME but also encourage greater participation in teacher education and agricultural programmes, both of which are critical to national development.”
The minister also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding digital learning and examination systems across the country.
According to him, the adoption of computer-based testing for examinations forms part of efforts to equip students with practical skills required to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.
“The global shift towards digitalisation is not a distant prospect; it is an immediate necessity,” Alausa said.
“Accordingly, we are advancing the full adoption of computer-based testing across national examinations, while also encouraging institutions to integrate digital competencies, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies into their curricula.
“The objective is clear: our graduates must not only possess theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills required to thrive in a modern economy.”
The announcement comes amid broader deliberations at the ongoing policy meeting, which also includes discussions on admission guidelines, institutional quotas, and cut-off marks for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.