Federal Ministry of Education Reverses 18- Year Age Entry Policy Into Tertiary Institutions
The Federal Ministry of Education has reversed the 18-year minimum age policy for tertiary institution entry in Nigeria, citing its impact on efforts to reduce out-of-school children. Education Minister Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa announced the change Tuesday.
The Federal Ministry of Education has reversed it's 18- year policy for entry into tertiary institutions in the country.
The new Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, made this known Tuesday, while reporters in his office.
The 18 - year entry policy was initiated by the former minister of Education, Prof. Tahir, had generated controversy from parents and other stakeholders across the country.
However, Alausa said while announcing the reversal that the 18- year policy was detrimental to the federal government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.
According to him, the former policy was
not sustainable for the education sector, as the 16-year age limit would be maintained even as exceptions would be granted for “gifted children,” who are not up to 16 years.
Alausa, further that going forward, Nigeria’s education system will be 80 percent practical and 20 percent classroom/ theoretical, noting that, practical education would help to curb the high unemployment situation, as tertiary institutions would not continue churn out graduates without jobs yearly.
The minister also, said that the Federal Government would work with the private sector for the training of students to unleash their potentials.
Alausa, one of the 10 ministers who got new portfolios after last month’s cabinet reshuffle was involved in promotional examination scandal as Minister of State for Health.
However, Alausa said while announcing the reversal that the 18- year policy was detrimental to the federal government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.
According to him, the former policy was
not sustainable for the education sector, as the 16-year age limit would be maintained even as exceptions would be granted for “gifted children,” who are not up to 16 years.
Alausa, further that going forward, Nigeria’s education system will be 80 percent practical and 20 percent classroom/ theoretical, noting that, practical education would help to curb the high unemployment situation, as tertiary institutions would not continue churn out graduates without jobs yearly.
The minister also, said that the Federal Government would work with the private sector for the training of students to unleash their potentials.
Alausa, one of the 10 ministers who got new portfolios after last month’s cabinet reshuffle was involved in promotional examination scandal as Minister of State for Health.
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