Federal Ministry of Education Debunks False Report on JSS1 Minimum Age
The Federal Ministry of Education has emphatically debunked a misleading report circulating in some media outlets, particularly by The Punch Newspaper, which falsely claimed that the minimum age for admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1) in Nigeria has been raised to 12 years.
Official Clarification:
JSS1 Minimum Age Remains 10 Years: In an official statement released on Friday, July 25, 2025, by the Ministry's Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, the Ministry clarified that the minimum age for admission into JSS1 remains 10 years.
No Child Below 10 Should Complete Primary School: The statement further emphasized that, in accordance with existing policy, "no child should complete primary education below the age of 10." This implies a continuous age-appropriate progression through the basic education system.
Report is Inaccurate and Unofficial: Mrs. Boriowo categorically stated that the report claiming a 12-year minimum age is "entirely inaccurate," did not originate from any official source within the Ministry, and does not reflect current government policy.
Call for Disregard: The Ministry urged the public, educational institutions, and all education stakeholders to disregard any contrary claims and to always verify information through official channels before acting on or disseminating it.
Context of Age Requirements:
University Admission Age: The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, was also quoted in the Ministry's statement, reaffirming that the prescribed minimum age for admission into Nigerian universities remains 16 years. He emphasized that this policy is consistent, non-negotiable, and applies uniformly, regardless of how early a student may have completed secondary education.
Cognitive and Emotional Readiness: The Ministry maintains that these age benchmarks for both JSS1 and university admission are crucial to ensuring the "cognitive and emotional readiness of students for higher academic engagement" and overall educational progression.
Previous Debates on Admission Age: It's worth noting that discussions and controversies around admission ages have occurred previously. Last year, there were reports about a possible 18-year minimum age for tertiary institutions, which generated significant public debate. However, Minister Alausa had previously clarified that an 18-year limit for university entry was not sustainable and that the 16-year benchmark would be maintained, with waivers for exceptionally intelligent students. This latest debunking specifically addresses the JSS1 age.
The Federal Ministry of Education's swift response aims to quell any confusion or panic among parents, students, and school administrators that might have been caused by the erroneous report, ensuring that the standard educational policies are clearly understood and followed.
