Abuja, July 26, 2025 — The Federal Ministry of Education has refuted recent claims circulating in the public domain that the minimum age for admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1) has been raised to 12 years. In an official statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, the Ministry described such reports as false and misleading.
According to the Ministry, the approved minimum age for entry into JSS1 remains 10 years, and no child is expected to conclude primary education earlier than that age. The Ministry emphasized that any contrary narrative does not reflect the official policy of the Federal Government.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, further reiterated that the minimum age for university admission is still 16 years, regardless of how early a student may have completed their secondary education. He maintained that this standard remains critical in ensuring academic readiness and psychological maturity for tertiary studies.
The Ministry advised parents, guardians, and school administrators to adhere strictly to the age requirements and avoid enrolling underage children into levels beyond their developmental stage. It also urged the public to rely on verified information issued through official government channels to avoid being misled.
The Federal Government restated its commitment to maintaining educational standards in line with its Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring access, equity, and quality across all levels of learning in Nigeria.
