Misinformation Alert: Federal Government Refutes Claims of Raising JSS1 Entry Age, Confirms Minimum Age Remains 10 Years

 

Federal Government Clarifies JSS1 Admission Age Policy Amid Media Confusion

Amid circulating reports that suggested a shift in the nation’s education policy, the Federal Government of Nigeria has categorically denied any change to the minimum age requirement for admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1). Contrary to claims from various media sources, the government affirmed that children aged 10 remain eligible to begin their journey in JSS1, not 12 as widely reported.

This clarification came through an official statement from the Federal Ministry of Education, which described the reports as misleading, unverified, and not representative of any official directive. The statement, issued by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, emphasized the need for accurate reporting and reiterated the existing guidelines concerning educational transitions in the country.

According to Folasade, the notion that age 12 has been mandated for JSS1 entry lacks foundation in policy and should be disregarded by the public and stakeholders in the education sector. “For the avoidance of doubt, the minimum age for admission into JSS1 remains 10 years,” the statement read. Folasade also noted that the Ministry has not issued any directive modifying this benchmark, adding that no child is expected to complete primary education below the age of 10.

Education experts and parents have expressed concern and confusion since the erroneous reports began to circulate. Some feared that increasing the entry age to 12 would lead to a delay in educational timelines and possibly create systemic bottlenecks for younger students ready to progress. The Ministry’s swift response aims to correct this misinformation and provide clarity for schools, students, and guardians.

The Federal Government also used the opportunity to address another point of contention regarding age requirements for tertiary education. Folasade reiterated that the minimum age for admission into any Nigerian university remains 16 years. She explained that this policy is not only longstanding but is designed to ensure that students entering higher institutions possess the maturity required to cope with academic and social responsibilities.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has reinforced this stance on the university entry age. According to him, the rule is firm and non-negotiable, regardless of how early a student may have completed secondary education. The Minister stressed that emotional and cognitive readiness are essential criteria for success at the tertiary level, and the age policy helps safeguard this standard.

Government officials have consistently maintained that aligning academic progression with age-appropriate development is vital to fostering balanced learners capable of critical thinking and independent judgment. In this regard, the current age requirements serve not as arbitrary figures, but as protective measures to uphold quality and sustainability within the education system.

Furthermore, the Ministry urged the public, school administrators, and the media to seek verification from official sources before sharing or acting on any information related to policy changes. Misreporting, especially concerning sensitive issues such as education, can lead to confusion, poor decision-making, and unnecessary anxiety for parents and students alike.

In recent years, the government has taken steps to streamline and standardize the education system across federal and state levels. Policies have been carefully crafted to reflect international best practices while taking into account the unique socio-cultural context of Nigeria. The Ministry remains committed to transparent communication and continues to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that educational policies are clearly understood and correctly implemented.

Parents and guardians across the country are encouraged to continue preparing their children for the next academic session based on the officially recognized benchmarks. Meanwhile, education professionals are expected to uphold and enforce these guidelines without deviation.

As conversations around access, readiness, and quality in education evolve, the Federal Ministry of Education reiterates its dedication to a system that is both inclusive and age-appropriate. Public understanding and cooperation are essential in this mission, and responsible dissemination of information plays a critical role in preserving the integrity of education policies.