ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The recently appointed Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, has reversed the policy setting the minimum age for university admission at 18 years, a measure introduced by his predecessor, Professor Tahir Mamman.
The policy, which had sparked widespread debate, has now been adjusted to allow students aged 16 and above to enter university, with exceptions for “gifted children.”
During his first press briefing since assuming office on Tuesday, Alausa explained that the 18-year age limit was counterproductive to the federal government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children.
He emphasized that the policy was unsustainable for the education sector, and a lower entry age would better serve the nation’s needs.
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Alausa also outlined a transformative vision for Nigeria’s education system, shifting to an 80 percent focus on practical learning and 20 percent on theoretical or classroom instruction.
Dr. Alausa, who was formerly Minister of State for Health added that this shift would help tackle Nigeria’s high unemployment rates by equipping graduates with the skills needed for the workforce, reducing the number of unemployed graduates produced annually.
In this new approach, the federal government plans to collaborate with private sector operators to provide hands-on training for students, empowering them to maximize their potential.
The minister emphasized that there will be no change in the federal government’s decision to nullify more than 22,700 degree certificates acquired by Nigerians from certain “fake” universities located in neighboring Togo and Benin Republic.
