The Federal Government has withdrawn its controversial 18-year age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions, marking a crucial shift in the country’s education landscape.
The announcement came during the inaugural ministerial press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday, where the newly appointed Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, outlined his vision for Nigeria’s education sector. This decision effectively maintains the status quo, allowing students aged 16 and above to pursue higher education in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The age requirement controversy had sparked intense debate among education stakeholders, parents, and students when it was initially proposed. The policy would have prevented thousands of academically qualified younger students from accessing tertiary education, potentially disrupting their academic progression and career aspirations.
During the press conference, Dr. Alausa emphasized the ministry’s commitment to implementing education policies that serve the best interests of Nigerian students while maintaining academic standards. He revealed that the government is contemplating a comprehensive review of the nation’s education policy to address contemporary challenges and align with global best practices.
“After careful consideration and extensive consultations with stakeholders, we have decided to maintain the current admission age requirement,” Dr. Alausa stated. Students aged 16 and above will continue to be eligible for admission into tertiary institutions for the current academic year.
However, the minister indicated that the 18-year benchmark might be reconsidered for implementation in 2025, suggesting that the government plans to use the intervening period to conduct thorough assessments and stakeholder engagements before making any drastic changes to the admission policy.
The reversal comes as a relief to many Nigerian families who had expressed concerns about the potential implications of the age restriction. Education experts had argued that the proposed policy could have led to unnecessary gaps in students’ academic journey, particularly affecting high-achieving young learners who complete their secondary education earlier than their peers.
In a related development, Dr. Alausa maintained a firm stance on the government’s recent crackdown on fake foreign credentials. He reaffirmed that there would be no reversal of the federal government’s decision to invalidate over 22,700 degree certificates obtained by Nigerians from unaccredited institutions in neighboring Benin Republic and Togo.
While we are flexible on policies that benefit our students, we remain unwavering in our commitment to maintaining the integrity of academic qualifications in Nigeria,” the minister emphasized. The fight against certificate fraud and substandard education will continue to be a priority under this administration.
The decision to maintain the current admission age requirement reflects the government’s responsiveness to public feedback and its recognition of the diverse educational paths taken by Nigerian students. It also acknowledges the country’s unique educational context, where many students complete their secondary education before turning 18.
Education analysts have largely welcomed this policy reversal, noting that it preserves opportunities for gifted students while allowing the ministry time to develop more comprehensive reforms. They suggest that any future changes to admission requirements should be gradually implemented with adequate notice to stakeholders.
The ministry’s approach to this issue signals a potential shift in education policy-making, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder consultation and practical considerations in educational reform. As Nigeria continues to grapple with various challenges in its education sector, including access, quality, and relevance, the government’s willingness to reconsider controversial policies may prove crucial in building trust and cooperation among educational stakeholders.
Moving forward, the Ministry of Education has indicated its commitment to engaging in broader discussions about improving the quality and accessibility of tertiary education in Nigeria. These discussions are expected to address various aspects of the education system, including curriculum development, infrastructure improvement, and teacher training, as part of the government’s efforts to enhance the overall quality of education in the country.
