UTME: Education Minister Lowers Admission Age, Promises Reforms for Out-of-School Children

The Federal Government has lowered the admission age for tertiary institutions from 18 to 16 years, as announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during his inaugural press conference in Abuja on Tuesday. 

Dr. Alausa, reversing the decision of his predecessor, stated that this move aligns with the national education policy and will allow gifted students to enrol in tertiary institutions earlier, based on individual capability.

"We are reversing the 18-year benchmark and opting for 16 years as the minimum age. We will collaborate with JAMB and other educational bodies to implement this change," Alausa said. 

He emphasised that the age limit should not hinder young, talented students from accessing higher education.

Alausa also reaffirmed the government’s stance on nullifying certificates obtained from institutions in Benin Republic and Togo, which he said would curb the spread of fake certifications and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.

Addressing the nation’s growing population of out-of-school children, Dr. Alausa highlighted this as a key priority for the Ministry. He announced plans to work with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to implement conditional cash transfers aimed at increasing school enrolment among low-income families. 

He added that new nutritional programs will also be introduced to improve student health, with the ultimate goal of enhancing human capital development.

The event also marked the formal introduction of the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad, with both ministers received by Permanent Secretary Dr. Nasiru Sani-Gwarzo. 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the government’s new educational strategies aim to address current challenges while fostering an inclusive and accessible education system.