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Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, has reversed his predecessor’s policy of 18 years as the entry age for University admission.
Ex-Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, in September 2024, announced on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’ program that the Federal Government has set a new policy, requiring students to be at least 18 years old to take secondary school leaving exams.
According to him, this applies to both the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and the Senior School Certificate Examination, crucial for entry into tertiary education.
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The directive also impacts the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), responsible for administering these exams. Following the announcement, Prof. Mamman received both praise and criticism.
He clarified that this is not a new policy, stating: “For the avoidance of doubt, this is not a new policy; this is a policy that has been there for a long time.” He also reiterated that the minimum age for taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), managed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), would be 18.
The policy faced backlash from university stakeholders.
But while briefing journalists upon assumption of office, on Tuesday, Alausa said the policy was detrimental to the federal government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.
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He said it is also not sustainable for the education sector, explaining that the 16-year age limit would be maintained and exceptions would be granted for “gifted children”.
The new minister also said going forward, Nigeria’s education system will be 80 percent practical and 20 percent classroom/ theoretical.
Alausa said practical education will help to curb the unemployment situation in Nigeria as tertiary institutions will not continue churning out graduates on a yearly basis without jobs for Nigerians.
He said the federal government will work with private sector operators for the training of students to unleash their potentials.
Alausa was among the 10 ministers who got new portfolios after last month’s cabinet reshuffle which led to the exit of his predecessor.
He was formerly Minister of State for Health.
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