Minister Announces 16 Years As Age Requirement for Admission in Nigeria

In a significant policy shift, Nigeria’s new Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has officially announced that the age requirement for university admission has been reduced to 16 years.

This new directive aims to make tertiary education more accessible to younger Nigerians, allowing them to begin their higher education journey at an earlier age.

The announcement, which was made during a press briefing in Abuja, marks a major change in the country’s education landscape.

The previous minimum age for admission into Nigerian universities was set at 18 years.

This move is expected to benefit many prospective students who may have been unable to gain admission due to the age restriction.

Why Was the Age Requirement Changed?

The Minister explained that the decision was part of the government’s broader efforts to reform the education system and ensure that Nigerian youths have more opportunities to pursue their educational goals without unnecessary delays.

According to Dr. Alausa, the age reduction is in line with global trends and the need to provide better educational opportunities for younger Nigerians who are academically capable of handling university-level studies.

This new policy will allow students who are academically prepared and meet the entry requirements to gain admission to universities and other tertiary institutions as early as 16 years old.

The Minister emphasised that while the age requirement has been reduced, academic excellence and the fulfilment of other admission criteria will remain paramount.

What Does This Mean for Nigerian Students?

For many Nigerian students, this change could mean entering university at an earlier age, potentially shortening the time spent between secondary school and graduation. For instance, students who complete their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examination Council (NECO) at 16 could now progress directly into university, provided they meet the necessary entry requirements.

Dr. Alausa also highlighted that the reduction in the age requirement is part of a wider review of the country’s education policy, which is aimed at improving the overall quality of education in Nigeria.