By Maryjane Austine
FG Denies Raising JSS1 Entry Aged to 12
The Federal Government has denied claims that it has set a new minimum age of 12 for admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1), describing the report as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the government clarified that the official minimum age for JSS1 admission remains 10 years.
The ministry emphasised that no child should complete primary school before the age of 10, and any suggestion otherwise does not reflect official policy.
“The Federal Ministry of Education has noted with concern a false and misleading publication in a newspaper claiming that the Federal Government has set a new minimum age of 12 years for admission into JSS1. The Ministry wishes to categorically state that this report is entirely inaccurate and did not originate from any official source,” the statement read.
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The ministry also restated the age requirement for university admission, which remains 16 years. According to the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, this policy is firm and applies to all students, regardless of how early they finish secondary school. He noted that the age benchmark ensures students are mentally and emotionally prepared for university education.
The ministry urged the public, schools, and the media to verify information through official sources before publication or action. It added that all educational policies are being implemented with transparency and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
