- Plans broader review of Nigeria’s education policies
- Upholds decision to invalidate 22,700 degree certificates from ‘fake’ universities in Togo, Benin Republic
- Niger Delta activist opposes minister’s reversal of 18-year admission age limit
The Federal Government has abolished the controversial 18-year age benchmark for admission into tertiary institutions across the country.
The announcement was made by the new Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who also hinted at a broader review of Nigeria’s education policies in his administration.
The decision, which is expected to affect the admission process for thousands of prospective students, marks a significant change in the nation’s education system, and comes on the heels of several reforms aimed at addressing challenges in the sector.
Alausa, speaking at his inaugural press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, said that the move to abolish the age limit was part of the government’s ongoing effort to ensure that the country’s educational system is more inclusive and flexible.
While he outlined the government’s plans to review broader educational policies, Alausa was firm in upholding the Federal Government’s decision to invalidate over 22,700 degree certificates acquired by Nigerians from so-called “fake” universities in neighbouring Togo and Benin Republic.
The crackdown on these dubious qualifications remains a top priority for the Ministry.
“There will be no reversal on the decision regarding the 22,700 certificates. We are committed to safeguarding the integrity of our education system,” Alausa said.
The Education Minister’s remarks have sparked a wave of reactions, with many stakeholders in the education sector and beyond eagerly awaiting further details of the impending policy review.
While many have welcomed the scrapping of the age benchmark, concerns remain over how such sweeping changes will be implemented across the country’s diverse educational institutions.
It was reported on August 26, 2024 that the Federal Government officially banned individuals under the age of 18 from participating in the National Examinations Council and West African Examinations Council examinations.
The former Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, made the announcement.
He explained that the government has instructed WAEC, which conducts the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, and NECO, which oversees the Senior School Certificate Examination, to enforce the 18-year age requirement for exam candidates.
He emphasized that this directive was not a new policy but a reaffirmation of existing regulations.
He stated, “It is 18 years, during our meeting with JAMB in July, we agreed to allow this year as a grace period for parents. This means that JAMB will admit students below 18 years old this year, but starting next year, the age requirement of 18 will be strictly enforced for university admissions in Nigeria.”
However, after several debates, the Federal Government exempted exceptionally intelligent students who are below the age of 18 from the ban on underage individuals taking the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination and National Examination Council.
Niger Delta activist opposes minister’s reversal of 18-year admission age limit
Meanwhile, a Warri-based child rights advocate, Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho, has opposed an announcement by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, abolishing the 18-year minimum age requirement for admission to tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
In a signed statement released to journalists in Warri on Tuesday, Aghogho expressed concern, stating that “The Minister’s announcement may inadvertently conflict with existing child protection laws.”
The Delta activist argued, “Policy reforms should prioritise adherence to established legal frameworks,” pointing out that “Nigeria’s Child Rights Act 2003 defines a child as anyone under 18 years old.”
Aghogho further contended that “The 6-3-3-4 education system, which includes six years of primary education, three years of junior secondary, three years of senior secondary, and four years of tertiary education, supports the 18-year benchmark. This structure ensures that students complete secondary education before entering university.”
He added, “The Minister’s announcement may inadvertently conflict with existing child protection laws, and clarification is necessary to avoid ambiguity in defining a child’s age range. It is crucial to clarify the definition of a ‘child’ or ‘ward’ as stipulated in Section 15(1) of the Compulsory Free, Universal Basic Education Act 2004.”
According to Aghogho, the Act defines a ‘child or ward’ as a person between 6 and 16 years old, regardless of disability. Primary school age is defined as between 6 and 12 years, and junior secondary as a three-year post-primary course for pupils between 12 and 15 years. This legislation establishes that a child’s age range for basic education is between 6 and 16 years.
“The Minister’s announcement should not be misconstrued to imply that individuals below 18 years are not considered children. Nigeria’s Child Rights Act 2003 defines a child as anyone under 18. In light of this, I urge stakeholders to consider the legal framework governing child education and protection.”
Aghogho also noted that the Federal Government previously mandated that tertiary admissions should not be given to candidates younger than 18, with the former Education Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman, asserting that the 18-year benchmark protects children from entering university too early.
He added that the high rate of out-of-school children necessitates strict adherence to legal frameworks to ensure the welfare of Nigerian children.
“The current situation in Nigeria is dire, with millions of children out of school and vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Policies must prioritise adherence to established legal frameworks to safeguard Nigerian children. Additionally, policy reforms should prioritise adherence to established legal frameworks.”
He concluded by urging that upholding the provisions of the Compulsory Free, Universal Basic Education Act 2004 will ensure adequate protection and education for Nigerian children.
“By prioritising adherence to established laws and policies, we can ensure that Nigerian children receive the protection and education they deserve,” he said.
