Education Minister Alausa reverses 18-year entry policy for varsity admission

The 18-year entry policy age for university admission set up by the former minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, has been reversed.

The newly appointed Minister of Education, Dr Morufu Olatunji Alausa, while briefing journalists upon assumption of office on Tuesday, said the policy, which had generated controversy, was detrimental to the federal government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.

According to him, the policy was also not sustainable for the education sector, adding that the 16-year age limit would be maintained and exceptions would be granted for “gifted children”.

The new minister also said going forward, Nigeria’s education system will be 80 per cent practical and 20 per cent classroom/ theoretical.

Alausa said practical education will help to curb the unemployment situation in Nigeria as tertiary institutions will not continue churning out graduates every year without jobs for Nigerians.

He said the federal government will work with private sector operators to train students to unleash their potential.