FG clarifies admission policy for secondary schools and universities amid widespread public confusion.
Minister Alausa says no changes made, urges Nigerians to ignore fake reports and stay informed.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially clarified the minimum age requirements for entry into secondary schools and universities, following public confusion and misinformation circulated in recent weeks.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, clarified during an interview on Politics Today, aired on Channels Television on Tuesday. He addressed widespread rumors that the government had revised the minimum admission age for secondary and tertiary education to 12 years.
Dispelling the claims, the minister stated: “The admission age into Junior Secondary School (JSS1) is 10 years, not 12. That has always been the policy.” He further affirmed that the minimum age for university admission remains unchanged at 16 years.
“This was fake and malicious news,” Alausa said, referring to reports suggesting that 12-year-olds could be admitted into universities. “The Ministry of Education quickly issued a clarification to counter that narrative. From Primary Six to JSS1 is 10 years. University remains 16 years; that’s settled.”
When asked whether the federal government had plans to harmonize admission age policies across all educational institutions, Dr. Alausa confirmed such efforts were underway. He said the ministry is working towards establishing uniformity in entry age to ensure consistency and educational maturity across the board.
The clarification comes as school authorities and parents prepare for a new academic year, with some institutions reportedly turning away students below the recommended age, citing federal policy.
The Education Minister’s remarks are expected to help schools, students, and parents plan appropriately, especially as the government intensifies reforms to improve educational standards and structure in Nigeria.
This reaffirmation aligns with long-standing policies aimed at ensuring children are emotionally and academically prepared for the demands of each educational stage, from junior secondary to university.
The Ministry of Education has urged Nigerians to rely on official channels for updates on educational policies and to disregard unverified information spread through unofficial sources.
