The Federal Government has officially rescinded the contentious policy mandating an 18-year minimum age for university admission, marking a reversal of the guideline introduced by the previous administration. This decision was announced by the new Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Alausa, during his initial press briefing in Abuja.
The 18-year age threshold, endorsed by former Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman, had generated considerable debate, with critics arguing it could limit access to higher education for young Nigerians. Dr. Alausa explained that the policy conflicted with the government’s objective of lowering the number of out-of-school children and maintaining flexibility in the education sector.
Moving forward, the Ministry of Education will retain the 16-year age benchmark, which Dr. Alausa emphasized as more feasible. “We are not proceeding with the 18-year age limit. Instead, we will adhere to the 16-year requirement, with provisions for exceptions to support exceptionally gifted students,” he affirmed. The minister also noted that this updated policy would involve consultations with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and other educational stakeholders.
Addressing concerns regarding the authenticity of foreign degrees, particularly those from universities in neighboring countries like Benin Republic and Togo, Dr. Alausa stated that the government would continue efforts to validate such credentials rigorously. This stance, he explained, is part of a broader strategy to combat the prevalence of counterfeit certificates within Nigeria’s education system.
In addition to entry age policy, the Minister outlined several initiatives to address educational challenges, especially the high rate of out-of-school children. In collaboration with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Education Ministry plans to launch conditional cash transfer programs aimed at boosting school enrolment. Other measures, such as enhanced nutritional support for students, will also be implemented to improve student well-being and foster human capital development.
Dr. Alausa further emphasized the importance of aligning tertiary education with Nigeria’s labor market needs. He underscored that a priority for the ministry would be to enhance vocational and practical training across universities, helping graduates gain skills that can lead to employment. To that end, the federal government aims to partner with the private sector to facilitate skills development and unleash the potential of young Nigerians.
As part of the government’s focus on economic stability and food security, the minister also highlighted plans to strengthen agricultural universities. These institutions will be encouraged to adopt mechanized farming practices to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s food production goals.
The Ministry of Education’s newly announced policies signal a shift towards inclusivity, practical education, and sectoral collaboration, aimed at creating a resilient educational landscape aligned with Nigeria’s socio-economic needs.
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