In a groundbreaking shift for Nigeria’s educational system, the Federal Government has officially reversed the previous policy setting the minimum age for university admission at 18 years, now allowing 16-year-olds to qualify for entry into tertiary institutions.
This significant policy change was announced by Morufu Tunji Alausa, the newly appointed Minister of Education, during a press briefing in Abuja on November 5, 2024. The decision, which takes immediate effect, marks a departure from a controversial directive issued earlier in 2024 by Tahir Mamman, the former Minister of Education, who had proposed that only candidates aged 18 and older would be admitted into Nigerian universities starting in the 2024/2025 academic session.
While the 18-year age limit was introduced as part of an effort to ensure academic maturity, it faced intense opposition from various education stakeholders, including university vice chancellors and rectors, who argued that it would further limit access to higher education and exacerbate the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
A Policy Reversal to Promote Access to Education
Under pressure from these groups, Alausa has reversed the 18-year age cap, effectively lowering the admission threshold to 16 years. The Minister emphasized that this change is part of the government’s broader strategy to address the country’s education crisis, where millions of children remain out of school due to various socio-economic barriers.
Alausa explained that the previous policy had been detrimental to efforts aimed at increasing educational access for young Nigerians. “The 18-year age requirement was unsustainable and did not align with the government’s objectives of reducing the number of out-of-school children,” he said. By lowering the admission age, the government hopes to allow younger students to enter the tertiary education system and pursue their academic aspirations at an earlier stage, thus contributing to the development of a more skilled workforce.
Focus on Practical Education to Combat Unemployment
In addition to the change in admission age, Alausa outlined plans for sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. One of the key aspects of his policy vision is to shift Nigeria’s education system from a heavy theoretical focus to a more practical approach, with a goal of making 80% of university education practical and only 20% theoretical. This shift is aimed at tackling the country’s growing youth unemployment crisis by better preparing graduates for real-world jobs and industries.
The Minister emphasized that universities must not continue to produce graduates who are academically prepared but lack the hands-on experience needed to succeed in the workforce. To that end, he announced that the government would work closely with private sector operators to provide vocational training and internship opportunities for students, ensuring that they gain practical skills that are directly applicable to the job market.
Revoking Fake Degrees and Tackling Educational Integrity
As part of his broader educational reforms, Alausa also addressed concerns about the integrity of Nigerian qualifications, specifically in relation to degrees obtained from countries such as Benin Republic and Togo. The government has suspended the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates obtained from these countries, which have been known to issue dubious or substandard degrees. Alausa reaffirmed that this policy would remain in place to combat the spread of fake certificates and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
Empowering Universities to Address National Challenges
In another key announcement, Alausa revealed plans to empower agricultural universities in Nigeria to adopt merchandised farming techniques. This initiative aims to address the pressing issue of food insecurity in the country by leveraging the expertise of agricultural institutions to produce food on a larger scale. By equipping students with both the theoretical and practical knowledge needed for modern agricultural practices, the government hopes to boost domestic food production and reduce reliance on food imports.
Conclusion: A Bold Step Toward Education and Economic Reform
The decision to allow 16-year-olds to enter university is part of Nigeria’s broader drive to overhaul its education system and foster a more practical, skills-oriented curriculum that aligns with the needs of the modern workforce. By lowering the entry age and pushing for practical education reforms, the government hopes to better equip its youth for the challenges of the future, while also addressing some of the country’s most pressing socio-economic issues, such as unemployment and food insecurity.
As the government moves forward with these reforms, the impact on Nigeria’s youth and educational landscape could be profound, providing greater opportunities for young people and enhancing the nation’s competitiveness on the global stage.
