The new Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has rescinded the 18-year age requirement for admissions into tertiary institutions across the nation.

He further indicated his administration’s intent to potentially review the country’s education policy as a whole.

However, the minister clarified that there will be no change in the federal government’s stance on invalidating over 22,700 degree certificates obtained by Nigerians from certain “unaccredited” institutions in neighboring Togo and Benin Republic.

Alausa made these statements during his inaugural press briefing on Wednesday, which is ongoing in Abuja.

Background

In July, the Federal Government instructed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to permit only candidates aged 18 and above to enroll in tertiary institutions.

The directive was issued by the former Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during the 2024 Policy Meeting on Admissions in Nigeria, where he highlighted concerns that enrolling underage students harms not just universities but also the broader education system.

Following his announcement at the Body of Benchers’ auditorium in Abuja, attendees responded with vocal protests, shouting, “No, no, no!”

Soon after, the National Assembly intervened in the controversy surrounding the 18-year age limit.

FG’s Shift in Policy

Ultimately, Prof. Mamman conceded to the suggestions of stakeholders, permitting candidates from 16 years and above to apply for the 2024 admissions cycle, while initially planning to enforce the 18-year age requirement starting in 2025.