Nigerian Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa announced that the government has reduced the age limit for admission to higher education from 18 to 16 years.

This change allows students who meet academic standards to apply to universities and other institutions at age 16 instead of 18.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dr. Alausa shared the update at his first press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

He explained that the previous 18-year benchmark was derived from the structure of Nigeria’s National Education Policy but would no longer apply.

Except for gifted students, the admission criterion for higher education was set at 16.

Reports, Dr. It reports that Alausa outlines its new admissions policy and confirms the move to a 16-year benchmark for higher education. “We will not proceed with the 18-year acceptance criterion. “We will go for 16 years and talk to JAMB and others about it.” he stated, referring to the Joint Admissions and Registration Board, which oversees the admissions process.

He also noted that the policy includes exceptions for gifted students who can be admitted even if they are under 16.b

This means that the Ministry of Education has decided to lower the minimum entrance age to universities to 16. Students who meet academic standards can now apply at age 16, with younger exceptions for gifted students. The Ministry will coordinate with JAMB to implement this change.

Certificate verification policy continues for Benin Republic and Togo

Addressing concerns about the withdrawal of certificates received from institutions in the Republic of Benin and Togo, Dr. Alausa confirmed that this policy will remain in effect. The measure is intended to eliminate fake certificates in the system.

The Minister emphasized the need to ensure the reliability of qualifications obtained abroad, especially from neighboring countries, in order to maintain Nigeria’s academic standards.

Efforts and enrollment incentives for out-of-school children

Dr. Alausa also emphasized that the department is focused on reducing the number of children out of school, one of his office’s key priorities. It announced plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to implement conditional cash transfer programs that provide financial incentives to families to send their children to school.

“We will work with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to provide conditional cash transfers as incentives to increase student enrollment.” He noted that financial support could encourage more students to stay in school.

Introducing nutrition programs that will support student health

Dr. In addition to financial support, the ministry also plans to offer nutrition programs aimed at improving students’ health, Alausa said.

These programs will focus on enhancing the well-being of students to support their learning and contribute to the development of human capital across Nigeria.

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