The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and other education stakeholders have welcomed the decision by the new Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to lower the age requirement for tertiary admissions from 18 to 16. The announcement, made at Alausa’s inaugural press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, marks a shift from the previous policy established in July 2024, which had mandated that only students aged 18 and above could be admitted to universities and other tertiary institutions.
Dr. Alausa explained that the initial age limit was influenced by the structure of the National Policy on Education, but noted that a lower age threshold was more suitable. “We will not be going forward with the 18-year admission benchmark,” he stated. “We will go with 16 years, and we are going to meet with the Joint Admission Matriculation Board and others on that. There will also be exceptions for gifted students. So, 18 years is not part of our policy again.”
The previous policy, introduced by former Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman, had faced backlash from parents, educators, and private institutions, who argued that the restriction would limit educational opportunities for young, qualified students. In response to Alausa’s reversal, the National President of the NUT, Dr. Mike Ike-Ene, expressed relief and praised the new minister’s swift action on this issue.
“We extend our congratulations to the new Minister and Minister of State for Education,” Dr. Ike-Ene stated. “We welcome them with the hope that they will continue the vital work of addressing the challenges within the education sector. We are encouraged by their early steps to tackle the numerous issues in the ministry, and we trust they will approach these challenges with the precision and diligence needed, like a surgeon wielding a blade.”
Dr. Ike-Ene urged the minister to ensure all stakeholders are consulted in future policy decisions, warning him to avoid the influence of sycophants. “No voice, no matter how small, should be overlooked,” he added. “Education policies must serve the whole nation and not the interests of any individual or select group.”
The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) also expressed satisfaction with the decision. Its President, Mr. Yomi Odubela, emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders before introducing significant policies. “We were confident that the decision would not stand because it lacked thorough consultation with key stakeholders before its introduction,” Odubela said. “This presents an opportunity for the new minister to engage with bodies like NAPPS and other relevant organizations.”
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At the same conference, Dr. Alausa addressed other pressing issues, including the crackdown on fake certificates, reducing the number of out-of-school children, and promoting practical education to address unemployment. He committed to working with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to offer conditional cash transfers to encourage school enrollment and announced plans for a nutritional program to improve student health.
The minister emphasized a strong focus on practical skills, particularly through technical and vocational education. “We need to provide opportunities for our young people who are eager to go to school,” Alausa said. “Henceforth, 80 percent of education will be on practical training and 20 percent on theoretical.”
Additionally, Alausa pledged to address the persistent issue of strikes in tertiary institutions. Promising a “new beginning” for unions like ASUU, NASU, and SSANU, he called for their cooperation. “I want to assure that we have a government of President Bola Tinubu that will make all his commitments,” he said, urging the unions to give the new administration a chance.
Dr. Alausa concluded with a vision to align Nigeria’s education system with the demands of the 21st century, placing special emphasis on STEM and medical sciences to develop a skilled workforce. The minister’s commitment to reform and inclusivity has sparked optimism among educators and stakeholders alike, who look forward to seeing tangible improvements in the country’s educational landscape.