Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, the newly appointed Minister of Education, has made a significant change by reversing the 18-year entry age policy for university admissions that was established by his predecessor, Professor Tahir Mamman.
This policy shift has generated considerable discussion, as the previous approach had been controversial and faced criticism regarding its impact on educational access.
During a briefing with journalists shortly after taking office, Alausa emphasized that the former policy was harmful to the federal government’s initiatives aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
He announced that the age limit for university admission would revert to 16 years, although exceptions would be made for exceptionally gifted children.
Read also Why states must include gender-responsive plan in education roadmap
Alausa also highlighted a transformative vision for Nigeria’s education system, proposing a structure where practical learning constitutes 80% of the curriculum, while theoretical classroom instruction makes up the remaining 20%.
This shift toward practical education is intended to address the pressing issue of unemployment in Nigeria, as it aims to better equip graduates with the skills necessary for the job market.
He expressed concern that the current system has been producing graduates annually without sufficient job opportunities, which is unsustainable for the country.
In his new role, Alausa, who previously served as Minister of State for Health, plans to collaborate with private sector operators to enhance student training and unlock their potential, marking a new direction for Nigeria’s educational landscape.
