By DAYO ADESULU
Nigeria Union of Teachers Applauds Dr. Tunji Alausa’s Decision to Lower Admission Age to 16
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has welcomed the new Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for reversing the tertiary admission age from 18 to 16. The announcement was made during Dr. Alausa’s inaugural press conference in Abuja, where he emphasized a commitment to making education policies inclusive and practical.
The NUT and other education stakeholders had previously opposed the 18-year age limit, introduced by former Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman in July 2024, which was set to take effect in 2025.
Minister of Education Outlines New Policies for Nigeria’s Education Sector
In addressing the reversal, Dr. Alausa acknowledged that the National Policy on Education previously set the 18-year benchmark based on certain structural factors. He clarified that the new policy allows for exceptions for gifted students and that consultations with relevant educational bodies, such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), would follow.
“The 18-year admission benchmark is no longer part of our policy. We’re setting it back to 16 years, with provisions for gifted students,” said Dr. Alausa.
Teachers’ Union and Stakeholders Welcome Minister’s Inclusive Approach
In a statement, NUT President Dr. Mike Ike-Ene expressed support for the minister’s decision. He commended the inclusive approach and urged the minister to continue engaging with stakeholders. Dr. Ike-Ene emphasized that education policies must serve the broader interests of Nigeria, not a specific group or individual.
“We congratulate the new ministers and hope they will address pressing challenges in the education sector,” Dr. Ike-Ene said. “This reversal in policy shows a commendable start, but we also urge continuous consultation with stakeholders to avoid personal agendas affecting policy outcomes.”
Criticism of Former Policy and Call for Transparent Decision-Making
The previous policy by Prof. Tahir Mamman faced criticism from parents, teachers, and private institutions who were not consulted. Dr. Ike-Ene pointed out that such significant policy changes require careful planning and consultation.
He suggested that a phased timeline, such as a five-year adaptation period, could have been more effective, allowing parents and students to adjust gradually.
“A policy like this needs a clear, gradual timeline. For instance, a five-year plan could have introduced the age requirement by 2030,” Dr. Ike-Ene suggested.
Private Schools’ Association Supports New Direction
The National President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Mr. Yomi Odubela, also expressed confidence in the new minister’s ability to foster collaboration within the education sector. He urged Dr. Alausa to involve private and public education providers in future discussions to ensure balanced policy decisions.
“We’re confident this is an opportunity to engage with key stakeholders, including NAPPS, to support the minister’s work in reforming Nigeria’s education system,” Odubela stated.
Alausa’s Plans to Improve Education Quality and Address Out-of-School Challenges
Dr. Alausa outlined several new initiatives aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s educational standards. To reduce the number of out-of-school children, the ministry will partner with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to implement conditional cash transfer incentives. Additional measures include nutritional programs to promote health and human capital development.
“We aim to increase enrollment and focus on children’s well-being through nutritional programs,” Alausa explained.
The minister also emphasized the importance of vocational and practical training to address the high unemployment rate among graduates. The federal government, he announced, would work with private sector partners to offer practical training through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs.
“Going forward, 80% of education will focus on practical training, with 20% on theory,” Dr. Alausa stated.
Commitment to Practical Training and Reducing Strike Actions
Dr. Alausa plans to support technical colleges and universities of agriculture with funding for mechanized farming to combat food insecurity. He also pledged a “new beginning” for academic and administrative unions, assuring them that the government would fulfill its commitments to prevent strikes and maintain academic stability.
“We’re working toward a new environment for ASUU, NASU, SSANU, ASUP, COEASU, and others. We ask for trust as we address longstanding concerns,” Dr. Alausa added.
Looking Ahead: Aligning Nigeria’s Education System with Global Standards
The minister outlined plans to focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and medical sciences, aiming to equip students with skills relevant to the 21st century. He assured the public that efforts would be geared towards enhancing manpower development to match the demands of modern industries.
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