Nigeria Reduces Tertiary Admission Age to 16, Expands Access for Gifted Students

The Nigerian government has lowered the minimum age for admission to tertiary institutions from 18 to 16 years, with additional provisions for exceptionally gifted students, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced on Tuesday, November 5.

Speaking at his first press briefing in Abuja, Dr. Alausa explained that the previous age requirement was based on an earlier interpretation of the National Policy on Education, which has now been revised.

“The 18-year age limit will no longer apply. We are moving to 16 years and will consult with JAMB and other educational bodies to implement this change effectively,” he stated.

Dr. Alausa further clarified that talented students younger than 16 would still be allowed to apply for early admission on a case-by-case basis.

The Education Minister also confirmed that academic certificates from certain institutions in Benin Republic and Togo would continue to be recognised as invalid in Nigeria, as part of efforts to curb the growing problem of fraudulent credentials.

The Minister accompanied by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad was formally welcomed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Nasiru Sani-Gwarzo, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Dr. Alausa identified the issue of Nigeria’s out-of-school children as a top priority. The ministry plans to partner with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to offer conditional cash transfers as an incentive for school enrolment.

Additionally, new nutritional programmes will be introduced to improve students’ health and educational performance.