Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa has eliminated the 18-year entry requirement for tertiary institutions in the country, Cyber Reporters report.
Speaking Wednesday at his first ministerial briefing, which is still going on in Abuja, was Alausa.
Additionally, he suggested that his administration might reassess the country’s educational policy.
The Federal Government’s decision to nullify more than 22,700-degree credentials earned by Nigerians at certain “fake” colleges in neighboring Togo and Benin Republic, the Minister stated, would not be reversed.
He claimed that since higher schools will no longer produce graduates each year without offering them employment, practical education will aid in addressing Nigeria’s unemployment problem.
Certificate Examination (WASSCE), and NECO, which regulates the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), enforce the 18-year-old age limit for exam takers. He highlighted that this order is not a new policy, but rather a reaffirmation of current 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, following multiple arguments, the Federal Government excused extraordinarily bright pupils under the age of 18 from the ban on underage students taking the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council.
