Nigeria Considers Minimum Age Limit of 18 for Tertiary Education, Education Minister Mamman Urges Maturity

Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has announced plans to review and potentially set the minimum entry age for universities and other higher education institutions at 18 years.

Mamman made this announcement while monitoring the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Abuja.

Mamman advised parents against pushing their children and wards into higher education too early, emphasizing the importance of allowing them to attain a level of maturity that would enable them to better manage their affairs in a university environment.

He highlighted the challenges faced by students who are too young to understand the responsibilities and demands of university life, suggesting that this contributes to some of the problems seen in universities.

The Minister commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for a smooth examination process, attributing the reduction in examination malpractices to the adoption of technology in the education system.

With over 1.2 million candidates taking the UTME, the use of technology has helped to streamline the process and minimize instances of malpractice.

The issue of limited slots in tertiary institutions was also addressed, with Mamman emphasizing the importance of skills acquisition in preparing young people for a brighter future.

He noted that the current education system focuses on skills development from primary through secondary education, ensuring that students acquire at least one skill that will enable them to navigate life successfully, even if they do not proceed to higher education.

The potential age limit of 18 for entry into tertiary institutions and the focus on skills acquisition demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to improving the education system and preparing young people for success in an increasingly competitive world.