He stated this during the 2024 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The directive, it was learnt, will take effect from 2025.
“JAMB is hereby notified that there is now a ban on underaged students, those under the age of 18 into our tertiary institutions from this 2024 admissions,” Mamman said.
The minister, said the Federal Government was considering the adoption of 18 years as the entry age for admission into universities and other tertiary institutions of learning.
However, there was a protest against the declaration as education stakeholders chorused “no” as soon as the minister mentioned it.
In response, Mamman said the decision was already a “policy” the federal government has keyed into.
According to him, candidates are expected to be more mature at 18 years old.
The minister said aggrieved parties were free to approach the National Assembly to amend the policy.