FG Sets Minimum Age Of 12 For JSS1 Admission

The Federal Government has implemented a new regulation that, after completing six years of primary school, sets the minimum age for admission to Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1) at twelve years old.

This directive is outlined in a recently published policy document on non-state schools, unveiled last week by the Federal Ministry of Education.

Non-state schools—also referred to as private, independent, or non-governmental schools—are institutions not managed by government authorities. These schools typically rely on tuition fees, donations, and support from individuals, communities, religious organizations, businesses, and charitable foundations for funding.

The policy underscores the growing role of non-state schools in providing education throughout Nigeria, despite noticeable variations in quality and standards among them.

Detailing the age progression in early education, the ministry stated: “Nursery education shall last three years. Children will be admitted into Nursery One at age three, Nursery Two at age four, and one year of compulsory pre-primary education (Kindergarten) at age five, in line with Section 2(17) of the National Policy on Education (NPE), 2013 Edition.”

Regarding the transition from primary to junior secondary education, the policy states: “Basic education shall span nine years, consisting of six years of primary and three years of Junior Secondary School (JSS). Children shall start Primary One at age six. After completing six years of primary education, typically around age twelve, students shall be admitted into JSS1.”

This implies that students are expected to complete secondary education by about age 18, which aligns with the previously recommended minimum age for university admission.

Former Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman had earlier set 18 as the minimum age for university entry, though the current minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has since lowered this age back to 16 years.

Data from the Nigeria Education Digest 2022 highlights the increasing prominence of non-state schools, especially at the junior secondary level.

The report reveals, “Non-state schools outnumber state schools in at least 26 states at the junior secondary level, while at the primary level, state schools exceed non-state schools in 19 states.”

It further notes significant growth in the private education sector over the last five years: “Between 2017 and 2022, the number of non-state primary schools increased by 31.56%, compared to a 3.3% increase in state primary schools. At the junior secondary level, non-state schools grew by 35.06%, while state schools increased by only 6.8% during the same period.”