THE Federal Ministry of Education has introduced a new policy mandating that students must be at least 12 years old to gain admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1), following the completion of six years of primary education.
This directive is part of a recently launched policy document focused on Non-State Schools—also known as private, independent, or non-government schools.
These institutions operate outside government control and are primarily funded through tuition fees, individual and corporate donations, as well as support from communities, religious bodies, and foundations.
The policy acknowledges the growing role of non-state schools in Nigeria’s education sector, while also highlighting disparities in quality across these institutions.
By enforcing the age requirement, the government aims to standardize educational progression and enhance learning outcomes nationwide.