As the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, stated, the Federal Government is actively exploring options to address the 18-year age limit for university admissions.
At the Ministerial Session of the 68th National Council on Education meeting in Abuja, Prof. Mamman acknowledged the need for flexibility in the admissions process for exceptionally talented students.
During his address, the Minister emphasised the government’s recognition of the unique capabilities of some students and its commitment to creating exclusive provisions for their admission into tertiary institutions. He clarified that the age limit policy pertains to university admissions and does not impact O’level examinations.
“There is a need to clarify yet again the misrepresentation on the issue of the 18-year-old age limit for admission to universities,” Prof. Mamman stated.
“The ministry was only drawing attention to the age requirement for entry into tertiary institutions as enshrined in the National Policy on Education (6-3-3-4 System), the UBEC Act, and the Education (Minimum) Standards Act 1993, and not the age limit for students participating in WAEC, NECO, NBAIS, NABTEB, or any Ordinary Level examination.”
He further noted that the ministry acknowledges the existence of exceptionally intelligent children and will develop guidelines to accommodate genuinely exceptional learners. The Minister added that the government is also focused on ensuring that students acquire at least two skills during their basic education.
The 68th National Council on Education meeting is centred on innovation, digital technology, and entrepreneurship. It provides the Federal Government with an opportunity to highlight its achievements and plans to address ongoing developments in the education sector. Discussions at the meeting also included efforts to align the nation’s education sector with the demands of the digital age.
Additionally, the council is considering reviewing the curriculum, which is a plan driven by technological advancements and the need for students to be adequately prepared to meet the challenges of the digital era.
