"Education Minister Abolishes 18-Year Admission Limit, Vows Practical Reforms to Tackle Unemployment and Food Insecurity"

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has eliminated the 18-year minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions nationwide. During his inaugural press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, he also hinted at a potential overhaul of the country’s education policy.

Dr. Alausa confirmed that the Federal Government will uphold its decision to nullify over 22,700 degree certificates obtained by Nigerians from unaccredited institutions in neighboring Togo and Benin Republic. He emphasized the importance of practical education in tackling unemployment, noting that universities should not simply produce graduates without equipping them for the job market.

To address these challenges, the government plans to partner with private sector stakeholders to enhance student training and unlock their potential. Additionally, Dr. Alausa announced that agricultural universities will be empowered to adopt commercial farming practices as a measure to address food insecurity.