The Federal Government has officially scrapped the contentious 18-year age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions nationwide.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa made the announcement, signaling a potential shift in Nigeria’s education policy under his leadership.
This change, aimed at making the education system more inclusive and flexible, is expected to impact thousands of prospective students and marks a notable reform in the sector.
Speaking at his inaugural press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Alausa emphasized the government’s dedication to addressing challenges within the education system.
He also reaffirmed that the federal government will uphold its decision to nullify over 22,700 degree certificates obtained by Nigerians from “fake” universities in neighboring Togo and Benin Republic, stressing the Ministry’s commitment to preserving academic standards.
“There will be no reversal on the decision concerning these 22,700 certificates,” Alausa stated. “We are determined to protect the integrity of our education system.”
The minister’s announcement has generated significant discussion among education stakeholders, with many applauding the removal of the age limit while also raising questions about the practical implications of these policy changes across diverse educational institutions.