FG reverses 18-year entry age for university admission

Tunji Alausa, the new minister of education, says the federal government has reversed the “controversial” 18-year entry age for university admission seekers.

Alausa spoke in Abuja on Tuesday while assuming duties as the minister of education, replacing Mamman Tahir, who was relieved of his post by President Bola Tinubu in the recent cabinet shakeup.

Before he was removed, Tahir sparked controversies when he announced 18 years as the minimum age for university admission.

However, Alausa said the policy was detrimental to the federal government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country and was not sustainable for the education sector.

He confirmed that the 16-year age limit would be maintained, with exceptions made 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 potential.