Has FG reversed 18-year age limit for admission? Here’s what we know
In a significant policy shift, Nigeria’s new Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the reversal of the 18-year minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions.
This reversal, which reinstates the 16-year minimum age for university matriculation, gives relief to thousands of young Nigerians seeking higher education.
Why the Reversal?
The 18-year benchmark for university admission, initially introduced by former Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman, was meant to address concerns over the maturity and readiness of younger candidates.
Prof. Mamman had argued that enrolling underage students in higher institutions could undermine the quality of education and lead to broader systemic issues. The 18-year policy was intended to take effect from 2025, despite resistance from both stakeholders and members of the public.
However, Dr. Alausa, at his inaugural press conference in Abuja, made it clear that the policy will now revert to the previous standard of 16 years. “We will not be going with the 18 years; we will go back to what we had before, which is 16 years,” the minister stated.
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Collaboration with JAMB and Universities
Alausa explained that the ministry would collaborate closely with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and universities to implement this adjusted age policy effectively. This change means that candidates who meet the minimum age of 16 will once again be eligible to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and pursue admission to higher institutions.
The reversal acknowledges the reality that many Nigerian students complete secondary school at or before the age of 16. With this policy shift, they can progress to higher education without delay, provided they meet the academic requirements.
Practical Education and Job Creation
Alongside this policy change, Dr. Alausa emphasised a renewed focus on practical education as a means to tackle the country’s high unemployment rate.
He stressed that universities and other tertiary institutions should not merely churn out graduates but equip them with the skills needed to secure meaningful employment. To achieve this, the ministry intends to partner with private sector organisations, aiming to create training opportunities that better prepare students for the job market.
No Reversal on “Fake” Degree Certificates
While Alausa made changes to admission the policy, he was firm on upholding the government’s decision regarding invalid degree certificates. Over 22,700 degrees obtained from institutions in neighbouring countries such as Togo and the Benin Republic remain void. The minister reiterated that there would be no leniency in this stance, indicating a commitment to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
Moving Forward with Policy Review
The minister also hinted at the possibility of a review of Nigeria’s educational policy, suggesting that more reforms are likely on the way.
