The Nigerian government has jettisoned the policy which set minimum of 18 years as entry age into the universities.
Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa who announced the reversal on Tuesday said the policy was not sustainable.
The policy initiated by the Immediate past minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman barred applicants below 18 from admission into the university.
The policy at the time generated controversy.
While briefing journalists on the reversal , Alausa said the policy was detrimental to the federal government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.
He said it is also not sustainable for the education sector, explaining that the 16-year age limit would be maintained and exceptions would be granted for “gifted children”.
The new minister also said going forward, Nigeria’s education system will be 80 percent practical and 20 percent classroom/ theoretical.
Alausa said practical education will help to curb the unemployment situation in Nigeria as tertiary institutions will not continue churning out graduates on a yearly basis without jobs for Nigerians.
He said the federal government will work with private sector operators for the training of students to unleash their potentials.
