The Federal Government has abolished the 18-year age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions.
The announcement came from Dr. Tunji Alausa, Nigeria’s new Minister of Education, during his inaugural ministerial press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
This reversal is expected to open doors for younger students to enter higher education institutions across the country.
The decision has sparked discussions on the future of the nation’s educational framework, with Dr. Alausa suggesting that his administration may consider further reforms to Nigeria’s education policy.
He noted that the 18-year benchmark had limited access for students ready to advance earlier in their academic journeys and argued that the removal of the benchmark aligns with the government’s commitment to inclusivity and enhanced access to education.
However, Dr. Alausa was clear on the government’s stance regarding the validity of degree certificates obtained from some neighboring countries.
He affirmed there would be no reconsideration of the federal government’s decision to nullify over 22,700 degree certificates issued by unaccredited universities in Togo and Benin Republic. These institutions, he said, have been operating outside acceptable educational standards, thus rendering their certificates invalid within Nigeria.
This bold move reflects the new administration’s intent to prioritize quality and standards in education while expanding opportunities for capable, younger students.
Dr. Alausa’s approach signals a comprehensive review of policies aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s education sector.
As discussions around these reforms unfold, stakeholders are keen to see how Dr. Alausa’s leadership will further shape the educational landscape in Nigeria.