The Federal Government through the Minister of Education has directed that admission to tertiary institutions should not be given to candidates under 18 years old as from 2025/2026 academic session.

The Minister of Education initially stated that this new policy has to effect this year. However, this attracted mixed reactions and after much deliberations, it was decided that this new policy should take effect next year instead of this year since most candidates that registered for JAMB this year are below 18 and were not aware of this new development at the point of registration.

According to the minister, the 18-year benchmark is in line with the 6-3-3-4 system of education.

Professor Mamman added that for those who will not be able to gain admission into tertiary institutions, the Ministry of Education is taking skills to pupils from primary school.