FG denies new minimum age for JSS1 admission
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa
REPUBLICAN NIGERIA gathered that the Federal Government has refuted a widely circulated report claiming it has introduced a new minimum age of 12 years for admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1).
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, the government described the report as “entirely inaccurate” and clarified that it did not originate from any official source nor does it reflect existing government policy.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the minimum age for admission into JSS1 remains 10 years,” the ministry stated. “Accordingly, no child should complete primary education below the age of 10. Any suggestion to the contrary is misleading and should be disregarded by the public and all education stakeholders.”
The Ministry also reaffirmed the existing policy on university admissions, with the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, emphasizing that the minimum age for admission into Nigerian universities remains 16 years. He noted that the benchmark is firm and applies to all students, regardless of when they finish secondary school.
“This age benchmark ensures the cognitive and emotional readiness of students for higher academic engagement,” the statement added.
The Ministry urged educational institutions, media organisations, and the general public to verify information through official channels before acting on or disseminating it. It reiterated its commitment to implementing age-appropriate and transparent education policies aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
