Nigeria Lowers Tertiary Admission Age to 16, Expands Access for Gifted Students
The Federal Government has adjusted the minimum admission age for Nigerian tertiary institutions from 18 to 16 years, with provisions for younger, gifted students. Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa announced the policy change at his inaugural press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
Dr. Alausa explained that the previous 18-year requirement was shaped by an earlier interpretation of the National Policy on Education, which the ministry has now reconsidered. “The 18-year age limit will no longer apply. We are moving to 16 years and will consult with JAMB and other educational bodies to implement this change effectively,” he stated. He noted that the policy would also continue to allow talented students under 16 to seek early admission on a case-by-case basis.
The minister also affirmed that certificates from certain institutions in Benin Republic and Togo would remain invalid in Nigeria. This policy, he said, is intended to combat the prevalence of fraudulent credentials within the country’s education system.
In addressing Nigeria’s out-of-school children, Dr. Alausa emphasized that reducing their numbers is a top priority. The ministry plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to offer conditional cash transfers as an incentive for school enrollment. Additionally, new nutritional programs will be introduced to support students’ health and enhance educational outcomes.
The reports gathered that Dr. Alausa and Minister of State for Education Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad were formally received by Permanent Secretary Dr. Nasiru Sani-Gwarzo at the ministry’s headquarters.
