New Minister Of Education Lifts Age Restriction, Reverses 18-Year Age Limit For Admission Into Tertiary Institutions

FCT, ABUJA, NIGERIA – Dr. Tunji Alausa, the new Minister of Education, has announced the reversal of the 18-year age requirement for admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

This change aims to provide greater access to higher education for young Nigerians.

Speaking at his first Ministerial Press Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, November 5, 2024, Alausa indicated that his administration might consider a comprehensive review of the nation’s education policies.

Alausa said the policy was detrimental to the federal government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.

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

This move suggests a potential shift toward more inclusive and flexible educational frameworks.

Despite the age limit reversal, Alausa firmly stated that there would be no change in the federal government’s decision to void over 22,700 degree certificates earned by Nigerians from unaccredited institutions in Togo and Benin Republic.

The government maintains a strict stance on upholding the credibility of Nigerian academic qualifications.