November 5, 2024
By Idris Buba
The federal government has reversed the 18-year admission benchmark into tertiary institutions in the country.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced this even as he hinted on the possibility of his administration to review the nation’s education policy.
The minister, however, maintained that there is no reversal on the federal government’s decision to void over 22,700 degree certificates obtained by Nigerians in some “fake” universities in neighbouring Togo and Benin Republic.
Alausa spoke on Wednesday in his inaugural ministerial press conference in Abuja.
It could be recalled that July, the Federal Government directed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, to admit only 18 years old candidates into tertiary institutions.
The then Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, made the policy known in an address he delivered at the 2024 Policy Meeting on Admissions to tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
READ MORE; BREAKING: FG pegs admission age into tertiary institutions at 18
He said information at his disposal revealed that enrolment of underage candidates is inflicting serious damage not only on the university, but also on the education system.
Immediately the minister made the pronouncement at the event held at the Body of Benchers’ auditorium in Abuja, all the people in the hall started protested against the policy.
Although, Prof Mamman, eventually backed down, made a U-turn and accepted the suggestions of the stakeholders that from 16 years and above should be eligible for this year’s admission, he owever, said, the 18-year admission benchmark in tertiary institutions would apply in subsequent years.
