The new Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa has abolished the 18-year admission benchmark into tertiary institutions in the country.
This is as he hinted on the possibility of his administration to review the nation’s education policy. However, the minister said there 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.
Alausa spoke on Wednesday in his inaugural ministerial press conference which is ongoing in Abuja.
It would be recalled that in July, the Federal Government directed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, to admit only 18 years old candidates into tertiary institutions.
The then Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, made the policy known in an
address he delivered at the 2024 Policy Meeting on Admissions to tertiary institutions in Nigeria. He said 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.
Immediately the 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“. Then 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. However, he said, the 18-year admission benchmark in tertiary institutions would apply from next year, 2025.
