Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant overhaul to Nigeria’s tertiary education policies, the Federal Government has scrapped the 18-year age requirement previously imposed on university admissions nationwide. The change was announced by Dr. Tunji Alausa, Nigeria’s newly appointed Minister of Education, during his inaugural press conference on Tuesday in Abuja.
The move to eliminate the 18-year minimum age requirement marks the end of an 18-year-long policy. Previously, students aspiring to attend higher institutions in Nigeria were required to be at least 18 years old, a regulation designed to ensure that prospective students were mature enough to handle the demands of university life. However, Alausa emphasized that the new policy is aimed at expanding educational opportunities and accessibility, particularly for young, high-achieving students who may have completed their secondary education ahead of the age threshold.
“This policy shift represents a fundamental commitment by the Federal Government to support the educational ambitions of our young talents,” Alausa stated. “It recognizes the pace at which young Nigerians are acquiring academic credentials and seeks to remove unnecessary barriers to their educational and career progression.”
The removal of the age restriction aligns with the current administration’s push to create a more inclusive and flexible educational system, one that is responsive to the diverse learning paces and aspirations of Nigerian youths. Alausa assured that while the age restriction is being removed, the government will continue to prioritize academic preparedness and support mechanisms to assist younger students entering university.
Revocation of Certificates from ‘Fake’ Universities
In addition to the age policy change, Dr. Alausa addressed the government’s crackdown on fraudulent degree-awarding institutions in neighboring countries. He reiterated the Federal Government’s recent decision to nullify more than 22,700 degree certificates obtained by Nigerians from unaccredited institutions operating primarily in Togo and Benin Republic. The decision, Alausa explained, is part of a larger effort to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s educational qualifications and to prevent the proliferation of substandard academic credentials.
The affected institutions, labeled as “fake” universities by the Federal Government, have allegedly been offering degree programs without proper accreditation, often luring students with promises of quick and affordable degrees that bypass Nigeria’s regulatory standards. Many Nigerian students have fallen victim to these schemes, unknowingly investing in certificates that hold no academic or professional value in Nigeria.
Alausa further highlighted that the Ministry of Education is working closely with regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC) to ensure strict enforcement of quality standards. “We will not allow fraudulent institutions to compromise the quality of education in Nigeria,” he said, adding that students planning to study abroad should verify the accreditation status of any foreign institution before enrolling.
Reactions and Implications for Nigerian Students
The decision to abolish the age requirement has been met with mixed reactions among education stakeholders. Proponents argue that it will encourage academic acceleration and allow young achievers to start their careers earlier. However, some critics express concerns about the readiness of younger students to cope with university life, calling for additional support systems and guidance programs to help younger entrants adapt.
On the issue of degree nullification, many in the academic community have welcomed the government’s stance, viewing it as a long-overdue measure to protect the reputation of Nigerian qualifications. Others, however, have raised concerns about the fate of affected graduates who may now find their degrees invalidated, calling for the government to explore transitional arrangements or bridging programs for these students.
The Ministry of Education has reassured the public that it will implement a transparent process for both the admission age policy change and the nullification of degrees from unaccredited institutions.
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