The new Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has abolished the 18-year admission benchmark into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Alausa declared this at his inaugural ministerial press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

This is as the minister hinted on the possibility of his administration to review the nation’s education policy.

He however said there would be no reversal on the federal government’s decision to void over 22,700 degree certificates obtained by Nigerians in some “fake” universities in neighbouring Togo and Benin Republic.

It would be recalled that the federal government, in July, directed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to admit only 18-year-old candidates into tertiary institutions.

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The then Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, made the policy known in an address he delivered at the 2024 Policy Meeting on Admissions to tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Mamman said information at his disposal revealed that enrolment of underage candidates was inflicting a damage not only on the university, but also on the education system.

The pronouncement was rejected by stakeholders at the event. The National Assembly, therefore, waded into the controversy generated by the 18 years age limit.

Mamman later backed down and accepted the suggestions of the stakeholders that from 16 years and above candidates should be eligible for this year’s admission.

The minister however said the 18-year admission benchmark in tertiary institutions would apply from 2025.

The Star