Following the Federal Government’s new directive that sets the minimum age for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions at 16 years, students of Lincoln University NSUK Campus and Nasarawa State University Keffi have expressed strong opinions on the policy with many supporting the decision based on their own academic journeys.
Ezinne Blessing a 17-year-old 200-level student of Lincoln University said she began her university education at age 16 and believes the new minimum age is both practical and fair. “I gained admission at 16 just after my WAEC and JAMB. I don’t think age should be the biggest factor. It should be about readiness. I’m coping well academically and socially. Setting the minimum at 16 is a good balance” she said.
John Joseph a 22-year-old final-year student of Nasarawa State University Keffi said he started university at 18 but acknowledged that readiness differs among individuals. “I think I was more mature and focused. But I know people who did well even at 15 or 16. So this policy makes sense as long as the students are truly ready. It shouldn’t be about one size fits all” he added.
Elizabeth Ayomide who recently gained admission into Lincoln University at 16 expressed relief that the government didn’t set the age limit higher. “I just got into university at 16 and I’m very excited that I won’t be affected by any higher age requirement. I think it’s fair. Not everyone follows the same timeline” she said.
For Aben Precious a 16-year-old 100-level student at Lincoln University the new policy validates her early academic success. “I resumed at 16 after passing my UTME and WAEC in one sitting. If the government had insisted on 18 I would have had to wait unnecessarily. This new rule encourages students to move forward when they’re prepared” she explained.
Aliyu Onana a serving corps member and graduate of Nasarawa State University Keffi said he began his university journey at 17 and believes early starters often gain long-term advantages. “Starting a bit earlier gave me an edge in terms of early exposure and career planning. I support the new age policy especially for serious students” he noted.
The policy was officially announced by the Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa during the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB Policy Meeting in Abuja. He clarified that while 16 is now the standard minimum exceptions will be allowed in rare well-documented cases involving gifted learners or accelerated academic tracks.
The new guideline replaces an earlier policy set by former Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman who in 2024 proposed 18 years as the entry age. That proposal triggered nationwide debate with critics saying it would unfairly block thousands of eligible and qualified students who completed their secondary education early. Following months of dialogue with education stakeholders the government reviewed and reversed the policy.
At the same meeting JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede revealed that some staff members of the board were found complicit in admissions fraud including falsification of age and examination results. He said the affected individuals had been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC for prosecution adding that JAMB would continue to clean up the system and protect its integrity.
The minimum age reform is one of several educational policy shifts the federal government is implementing to restore credibility and order to the tertiary system. Other reforms include addressing the proliferation of fake foreign certificates strengthening technical and vocational training and launching school feeding and cash-transfer initiatives aimed at reducing dropout rates and improving enrollment.
As Nigeria continues to shape its educational future the voices of students from Lincoln University and Nasarawa State University Keffi underscore a growing awareness that age should not be the sole criterion for access. Instead academic preparedness personal development and institutional transparency must guide the path forward.
