JAMB Adjusts Age Requirement, Allows Candidates Turning 16 by August 2025 to Apply for 2024/2025 Admissions
In a significant policy shift, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has extended the age limit for candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions for the 2024/2025 academic session. Students who will turn 16 by August 31, 2025, are now eligible for admission, according to a circular issued by the board on Thursday.
This new directive allows institutions to admit qualified candidates even if they are not yet 16 at the time of application, provided they meet the age requirement by the August deadline. Previously, the cut-off date for applicants to reach 16 was set at December 31, 2024.
JAMB explained that the change was made to ensure fairness, especially as some institutions expect their admission processes for the 2024/2025 session to extend through July 2025.
The circular emphasized that institutions are free to maintain their own minimum age policies, as long as they do not admit students younger than 16. However, those wishing to take advantage of this new flexibility must submit a list of eligible candidates born between January and August 2025.
“This move ensures equity for candidates whose admission process may extend into mid-2025, ensuring no one is unfairly excluded due to age,” JAMB stated.
Institutions are expected to provide their lists of eligible candidates within a week to finalize admissions for the session.
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