Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced that the federal government has reduced the minimum age for university admission from 18 to 16. This new policy allows students who meet academic requirements to seek admission to universities and other tertiary institutions at 16 instead of 18.
Speaking during his first press briefing in Abuja, Dr. Alausa explained that the previous age limit of 18 was based on the National Policy on Education. However, this standard will no longer apply, making higher education more accessible to younger students. Dr. Alausa stated, “We will not be going forward with the 18-year admission benchmark. We will go with 16 years and are going to meet with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and others on that.”
The new policy also includes exceptions for academically gifted students, allowing those younger than 16 to be considered for admission if they meet specific criteria. This decision is aimed at fostering the development of exceptional talents in the country and ensuring that capable students have the opportunity to advance their education earlier.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the Ministry of Education will collaborate closely with JAMB and other stakeholders to implement this change effectively.
In addition to discussing the new age policy for tertiary admissions, Dr. Alausa addressed the verification of certificates obtained from educational institutions in Benin Republic and Togo. He confirmed that the existing policy for verifying such certificates will remain. The measure, aimed at combating the use of fake qualifications, ensures that only genuine academic credentials are recognized within Nigeria. This step is critical for maintaining the integrity of the education system and upholding high academic standards.
Dr. Alausa also spoke about the ministry’s commitment to tackling the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria. He revealed plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to introduce conditional cash transfer programs. These programs will provide financial incentives to families, encouraging them to send their children to school. He noted, “We will work with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to provide conditional cash transfers as incentives for students to increase school enrollment.” This strategy is intended to support increased school attendance and reduce the dropout rate, contributing to the long-term goal of better educational outcomes.
To further support students, Dr. Alausa mentioned plans to introduce nutritional programs. These programs will focus on improving students’ health, enabling them to learn better and succeed academically. He stressed that good nutrition is crucial for the overall well-being of students and is part of the broader effort to strengthen human capital development in Nigeria.
This new direction by the Ministry of Education represents a significant shift in policies aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and improving the quality of life for young Nigerians.
