The Federal Government has officially reinstated 16 years as the minimum age for admission into Nigerian universities. This decision, announced by the Honorable Minister of Education, Morufu Tunji Alausa, has reversed the controversial policy introduced in July 2024 by his predecessor, Tahir Mamman, which raised the minimum age to 18.
Explaining the rationale behind this move, Alausa emphasized that the previous policy had unintended consequences, including a significant rise in the number of out-of-school children. “We cannot allow rigid policies to deprive brilliant young Nigerians of the opportunity to pursue higher education. This change aligns with global standards and ensures inclusivity in our education system,” he stated.
The former policy, implemented in a bid to address perceived maturity and readiness issues among university students, faced backlash from various stakeholders, including parents, educators, and civil society groups, who argued that it unfairly delayed the academic progression of many students.
With the reinstatement of the 16-year minimum age, education experts and advocates have lauded the government for taking swift action to rectify the policy and prioritize access to education.
This decision is expected to alleviate the pressures faced by young Nigerians eager to advance their studies and contribute to reducing the alarming out-of-school statistics in the country, which is among the highest globally.
By restoring the original age requirement, the Federal Government has signaled its commitment to fostering an inclusive and adaptable education system that empowers young minds without unnecessary barriers.