We are not shifting ground on entry age into universities –Minister

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

Despite a barrage of complaints and criticisms from parents and students on the announced age limit for entry into Nigerian universities, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has insisted that the government will not shift grounds on the decision.

Few months ago, the minister announced that beginning from 2025, students who are less than 18 years old wouldn’t be offered admission into universities. Heads of tertiary institutions endorsed the decision at the 2024 JAMB Policy Meeting in July.

The minister reminded journalists at the 68th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting in Abuja that the decision was not a new one as he is only championing the implementation of the policy to strengthen the education system.

He added: “There is a need to clarify yet again the misrepresentation on the issue of the 18 years age limit for admission to universities which was earlier mentioned.

“The ministry was only drawing attention to the age requirement for entry into tertiary institutions as enshrined in the National Policy on Education (6-3-3-4 System); the UBEC Act and Education (Minimum) Standards Act 1993, and not the age limit for students participating in WAEC, NECO, NBAIS, NABTEB or any Ordinary Level examination.

“Nevertheless, the ministry acknowledges that some children are exceptionally intelligent, and the ministry will work out a guideline to deal with cases of genuine exceptionally intelligent learners.”

Meanwhile, the minister has announced that a new curriculum for Basic and Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria is about to be rolled out this October.

He explained that the curriculum was designed to incorporate knowledge, skills and values, especially with a special focus on skills, so that when students   graduate, they will have skills that they can connect with the economy and have a productive life.