FG denies raising JSS1 minimum age to 12

The Federal Government has debunked a report claiming that the minimum age for admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1) has been raised to 12 years.

The Ministry of Education Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo, made this known via a statement issued on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Boriowo said the report was inaccurate, noting that it did not come from any official source and did not reflect government policy.

Boriowo stated: “For the avoidance of doubt, the minimum age for admission into JSS1 remains 10 years.

“No child should complete primary education below the age of 10.”

FG pegs university admission age at 16

Boriowo urged the public and education stakeholders to disregard any contrary claims.

She also quoted the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, as reaffirming that the prescribed minimum age for admission into Nigerian universities is 16 years.

Alausa emphasised that the policy was consistent, non-negotiable, and applied regardless of how early a student completed secondary school.

“The ministry maintains that this age benchmark ensures the cognitive and emotional readiness of students for higher academic engagement,” Boriowo added.

The Star