The new Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, has reversed the 18-year minimum age requirement for university admissions, a policy introduced by his predecessor, Tahir Mamman. Alausa announced the change during a briefing on Tuesday, shortly after assuming office.

Alausa’s appointment was part of a recent cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu, which saw Mamman removed from his position. Mamman, a professor, had implemented the 18-year age limit for tertiary admissions in July, citing it as a legal stipulation grounded in Nigeria’s education laws, which outline specific durations for primary, basic, and secondary education.

However, Minister Alausa has now set the minimum age for university admissions at 16, with allowances for “gifted children.” He argued that the 18-year requirement could obstruct the federal government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Alausa also outlined the government’s plan to shift Nigeria’s education system toward more practical, hands-on learning, particularly at the tertiary level. He emphasized that the federal government would work closely with private sector stakeholders to train students and unlock their full potential, better preparing them for the job market.