The Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, has announced a major policy shift, reversing his predecessor’s 18-year age requirement for university admissions.
This policy, established by former Minister Professor Tahir Mamman, sparked debate upon its introduction.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Alausa stated that the 18-year age threshold hindered federal efforts to reduce Nigeria’s out-of-school population and was unsustainable for the nation’s educational framework. Instead, he confirmed a return to the 16-year minimum entry age, with allowances for “gifted children” who demonstrate exceptional ability.
Alausa also outlined a new vision for the country’s educational system, proposing a shift towards an 80-percent practical and 20-percent theoretical structure. He argued that this balance would better equip graduates with the skills needed to tackle Nigeria’s growing unemployment challenge, rather than producing graduates who struggle to find jobs.
To implement this hands-on approach, the minister highlighted plans for collaboration with the private sector, aiming to harness students’ potential and increase job readiness. Alausa’s new role in education follows his recent reassignment from his former position as Minister of State for Health, part of a cabinet reshuffle last month.
