The Federal Government has reversed the minimum age limit for university admissions from 18 to 16 years, allowing younger students to qualify for tertiary education.

Minister of Education Morufu Tunji Alausa announced this policy shift during a press briefing in Abuja, citing efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children and support sustainable educational access. This change overrides the previous directive by former Education Minister Tahir Mamman, who had temporarily enforced the 18-year minimum age limit during the 2024 JAMB policy meeting.

Explaining the rationale, Alausa argued that the 18-year restriction hindered educational progress and would now be replaced with a flexible policy accommodating talented students under 16. Additionally, he stated that the government aims to implement an educational model comprising 80 percent practical and 20 percent theoretical learning, designed to better prepare graduates for the workforce and address rising unemployment.

Alausa further emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of Nigeria’s educational qualifications by suspending accreditation for degree certificates obtained from Benin Republic and Togo to curb certificate fraud.

He added that partnerships with the private sector will help provide practical training, particularly in agricultural universities, to support mechanized farming and reduce food insecurity.