FG reinstates 16-year minimum age for tertiary education admissions
The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the reinstatement of the 16-year minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during his first press briefing on Tuesday at the Federal Ministry of Education Headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Alausa clarified that the previously established 18-year age limit was based on interpretations within the National Policy on Education. He stated, “We will not proceed with the 18-year admission benchmark,” confirming that the minimum age for tertiary admission is now set at 16 years, with allowances for gifted students who may be prepared for higher education at an earlier age.
The minister outlined his administration’s focus on enhancing education by implementing existing policies, emphasizing quality, equity, and the development of human capital, particularly through women’s and girls’ education.
He noted that educating women is essential to breaking cycles of poverty, adding that he intends to build on the foundations laid by his predecessors with a strong focus on actionable outcomes.
Dr. Alausa also announced plans to enhance the nation’s educational framework, prioritizing technical and vocational education. Aiming to better equip students for the workforce, he proposed an 80% practical and 20% theoretical curriculum for technical and entrepreneurship institutions.
This emphasis on hands-on learning, according to him, is expected to foster a generation of self-reliant individuals capable of addressing critical national needs. Collaboration with the private sector will also be sought, particularly in mechanized farming initiatives at agricultural universities to tackle food insecurity.
Furthermore, he revealed that new programs in renewable energy (solar) and compressed natural gas (CNG) will be integrated into the curriculum to prepare young Nigerians for future economic opportunities as technicians and entrepreneurs.
Dr. Alausa addressed the issue of academic integrity, reiterating the government’s policy to reject certificates from certain institutions in the Benin Republic and Togo. This measure aims to curb the spread of fraudulent academic qualifications within Nigeria’s education system.
To combat the issue of out-of-school children, the minister revealed plans to partner with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in providing conditional cash transfers. These funds will encourage parents and guardians to keep their children enrolled in school, complemented by nutritional programs to support students’ health and learning outcomes, advancing national human capital development.
In a show of collaboration, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, emphasized the importance of teamwork and commended recent progress toward educational and societal development goals. She highlighted the improvements in productivity and workplace culture within the Ministry, voicing optimism about the future.
Dr. Ahmad also acknowledged ongoing sector challenges, such as harassment, and reaffirmed her commitment to creating a supportive and rights-based educational environment.
The briefing concluded with a welcome from the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nazir Sani-Gwazo, who pledged the Ministry’s full support to achieve the new goals.
