The 18-year minimum age requirement for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions has been reversed by the new Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
The policy, initially set to take effect in 2025, had been introduced by former Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, amid concerns about the enrollment of younger, underage candidates.
The move sparked considerable debate, with some stakeholders arguing that imposing an age restriction would limit educational opportunities for qualified students.
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Addressing the press in his inaugural ministerial briefing in Abuja, Dr. Alausa highlighted his administration’s commitment to reevaluating Nigeria’s education policy, promising a balanced approach that considers both academic quality and accessibility for aspiring students of all ages.
“We are working toward an education system that is accessible and beneficial to every qualified Nigerian, regardless of age,” Dr. Alausa said, hinting at potential reforms that may encompass the broader structure and governance of tertiary institutions in the country.
During the briefing, Dr. Alausa also addressed the controversy surrounding degrees obtained from institutions in neighboring Togo and the Benin Republic, stressing that the federal government recently invalidated over 22,700 degrees awarded by certain “fake” universities in these countries, a decision that remains firm under Alausa’s leadership.
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He reassured stakeholders that the government will continue to enforce rigorous standards to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
Recall that the initial 18-year minimum admission benchmark was introduced in July 2024, when Prof. Mamman, the former Education Minister, directed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to limit admission eligibility to students aged 18 and above, citing concerns about the academic and social well-being of younger students.
However, after immediate backlash from stakeholders, Prof. Mamman adjusted the policy, allowing students aged 16 and above to be eligible for admission in 2024, with the age benchmark deferred until 2025.
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Dr. Alausa’s decision to abolish the policy altogether marks a new approach under his administration, with a promise of greater inclusivity in Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Details on the broader policy review and potential reforms in Nigeria’s education sector are expected to follow in the coming weeks. Grassroots Parrot reports