Education Minister reverses 18-year age limit for tertiary admission
…Signals policy overhaul to address emerging challenges, align with current realities
The newly appointed Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has reversed the controversial 18-year age limit for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The policy, which was set by the former Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, was aimed at regulating the age of candidates seeking admission into universities.
While the policy had initially been waived for the current year, it was scheduled to take full effect in 2025.
During his inaugural press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, Dr. Alausa announced the reversal, signalling his administration’s commitment to adapting education policies to meet the demands of modern education and the diverse realities faced by students.
“After careful consideration, we have decided to abolish the age limit for university admission. This is in line with our vision to provide inclusive and accessible education to all Nigerians,” Alausa explained.
In addition to the policy reversal, the new minister hinted at a broader review of the nation’s education system, noting that it must evolve to address emerging challenges and take advantage of recent developments in the education sector.
Alausa emphasised that a more dynamic and responsive approach was needed to ensure that Nigeria’s education system prepares students for the challenges of the future.
Alausa also reaffirmed the government’s stance on the 22,700 Nigerian degree certificates obtained from unaccredited institutions in Togo and the Benin Republic.
The federal government has maintained that these degrees are invalid, and their holders will not be recognized by the country’s academic institutions.
On tackling unemployment, Dr. Alausa pledged to work closely with the private sector to provide practical, skills-based education that will prepare students for the workforce.
“Our tertiary institutions will no longer graduate students who are unemployable. We are committed to producing graduates who have practical skills that match industry demands,” he said.
To further address national issues, including food insecurity, the minister outlined plans to empower Nigeria’s universities of agriculture to engage in commercial farming.
This, he said, would not only contribute to food security but also create jobs for graduates in the agricultural sector.
