By Joy Yesufu
The newly appointed Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, has announced the reversal of the controversial 18-year entry age policy for university admissions in Nigeria.
This policy, initiated by former Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, sparked significant debate and concern within the educational community.
Speaking to journalists on his first day in office, Alausa stated that the previous policy was counterproductive for the Federal Government and detrimental to the nation’s educational goals.
He emphasized that the decision to revert to a 16-year age limit aims to address the growing issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Alausa assured that exceptions would be made for “gifted children” who may qualify for earlier admission.
He further articulated a vision for Nigeria’s education system, proposing a shift towards a model that prioritizes practical learning over traditional classroom instruction.
The proposed framework suggests an 80% focus on practical education and only 20% on theoretical classroom learning.
The Minister highlighted that this practical approach is intended to mitigate the country’s unemployment crisis by better equipping graduates with the skills needed in the job market.
He announced plans for collaboration with private sector stakeholders to enhance student training and unlock their potential.
Dr. Alausa’s appointment came as part of a cabinet reshuffle last month, which saw several ministers, including his predecessor, sacked from their jobs.
