FG Scraps 18-Year Age Limit for University Admission in Nigeria

In a significant policy shift, the Federal Government of Nigeria has decided to eliminate the 18-year minimum age requirement for university admissions. The decision was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during his first ministerial briefing on Tuesday, November 5, in Abuja.

This change means that prospective students who meet other academic criteria but are older than 18 can now be considered for university placements, potentially opening doors for a wider range of applicants.

Dr. Alausa also indicated that his administration is planning to review Nigeria’s education policies to tackle existing challenges and improve overall outcomes. This suggests that more reforms may be on the horizon to better align the education system with the country’s needs.

Furthermore, the Minister addressed concerns related to academic standards. He confirmed that the government will stand firm on its recent decision to invalidate over 22,700 degree certificates issued by unaccredited universities in countries like Togo and Benin Republic. This move is part of a broader effort to crack down on diploma mills and maintain the integrity of Nigerian academic qualifications.

In his remarks, Alausa also highlighted the need for a stronger focus on practical, skill-based education in Nigerian tertiary institutions. With unemployment rates remaining high, he emphasized that universities should prioritize producing graduates who are equipped with job-ready skills, rather than simply increasing the number of degree holders each year.

These developments point to an evolving educational landscape in Nigeria, one that seeks to address both the growing demand for accessible higher education and the need for more robust, skills-oriented training.