By George OPARA
Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education has warned that admissions conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) risks sanction
including withdrawal of licenses.
Also, the minister declared the federal government resolve to peg the minimum age requirement for candidates seeking admission into the tertiary institutions across the country to 16-years-old.
Spear News gathered that the latest decision has recinded the decision earlier announced by Tahir Mamman, former minister of education.
Tunji made the disclosures at the 2026 policy meeting on admissions to tertiary institutions held in Abuja,
He said, “Distinguished stakeholders, the question of admissions remains central to this trust. The integrity of the admissions process is the foundation upon which the legitimacy of our institutions rests,” Alausa said.
“I have resisted many attempts at condoning illegality in the admissions process. I will not be a party to such actions. Any institution found to have conducted admissions outside the CAPS will be held accountable, and appropriate sanctions shall be applied without hesitation.
“Heads of institutions, whether in the public or private sector, must recognise that such violations could result in severe consequences, including the suspension of operating licences or other regulatory actions, where applicable.”
For the age requirement, the minister further explained that the decision reflected a balance between inclusivity and academic readiness.
In his words,“Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, government has maintained sixteen years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions,” Alausa said.
“This position reflects a careful balance between inclusivity and academic readiness. While we recognise the existence of exceptionally gifted individuals, such cases must be treated within clearly defined and rigorously enforced guidelines to preserve the integrity of the system as a whole.”
The minister noted that the integrity of the admission process remains central to restoring confidence in the nation’s educational system.
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