The Federal Government has dismissed recent media reports alleging the introduction of a new minimum age requirement of 12 years for admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1).
In an official statement released by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the government described these reports as false, misleading, and not reflective of any official policy.
“The Federal Ministry of Education is concerned about a false and misleading publication claiming that the Federal Government has set a new minimum age of 12 years for admission into JSS1. The Ministry categorically states that this report is entirely inaccurate, did not originate from any official source, and does not represent government policy,” the statement clarified.
The Ministry reaffirmed that the minimum age for admission into JSS1 remains 10 years, emphasizing that no child should complete primary education below this age. “Any suggestion otherwise is misleading and should be disregarded by the public and all education stakeholders,” it added.
Regarding university admission, the Ministry reiterated that the minimum age requirement remains 16 years. Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, stressed that this policy is firm and non-negotiable, regardless of when a student completes secondary education. He explained that the age benchmark ensures students are cognitively and emotionally prepared for the demands of tertiary education.
The Ministry urged the public, educational institutions, and media outlets to verify information through official government channels before acting on or publishing unconfirmed reports.
It concluded by assuring Nigerians of its ongoing commitment to transparency and to implementing educational policies aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda for national development.
