FG reverses 18-year Age Limit for Admission, Says No to Over 22,700 Fake Degree Certificate Obtained By Nigerians
By: Israel Adeleke
On the possibility of his administration to review the nation’s education policy, the new Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has abolished the 18-year admission benchmark for tertiary institutions in the country, re-establishing the age limit at 16.
Alausa who announced this change earlier this week in his inaugural ministerial press conference which was held in Abuja, said that there will be no reversal on the federal government’s decision to void over 22,700 degree certificates obtained by Nigerians in some “fake” universities in neighbouring Togo and Benin Republic.
Recall that in July, the then Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, directed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, to admit only 18 years old candidates into tertiary institutions.
The Ex-Minister said that information at his disposal revealed that enrolment of underage candidates is inflicting serious damage not only on the university, but also on the education system.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News further recalls that, immediately the Ex-minister made the pronouncement at the event held at the Body of Benchers’ auditorium in Abuja, all the people in the hall started protesting and shouting “No, no, no“.
As a result of this, the National Assembly waded into the controversy generated by the 18 years age limit.
Eventually, Prof Mamman backed down. He made a U-turn and accepted the suggestions of the stakeholders that from 16 years and above should be eligible for this year’s admission.
He said, the 18-year admission benchmark in tertiary institutions would apply from next year, 2025.
Not too far after the minister made this policy, the president of the federal republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dethroned him, installed Dr. Tunji Alausa as the new Minister of Education.
However, while giving his speech at the inaugural ministerial press conference which was held in Abuja, earlier this week, the new Ministry revoked the controversial 18-year entry age policy for university admission, re-establishing the age limit at 16.
Alausa expressed that the 18-year admission age had negative implications for the education sector, particularly affecting the federal government’s agenda to increase school enrollment.
He stressed that the 16-year minimum would remain standard, but “gifted children” could be considered for admission before reaching this age.
“The policy was not sustainable,” Alausa remarked, emphasizing that it clashed with the nation’s broader education goals.
In a move aimed at addressing Nigeria’s employment challenges, Alausa also announced a significant shift toward practical learning.
He said, under the revised approach, the education system will adopt an 80 percent practical and 20 percent theoretical structure. He highlighted this change as a critical step in curbing unemployment by equipping students with hands-on skills.
“Our tertiary institutions cannot continue to produce graduates each year without ensuring there are jobs for them," he stated.
The minister however noted that the federal government would partner with private sector players to provide practical training for students, aimed at fully unlocking their potential.
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