The regulation requiring students to be 18 years old to gain admittance into universities was created by former Education Minister Professor Tahir Mamman and caused much controversy. It has since been repealed by the new Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, only a day after taking office, Alausa characterized the policy as a barrier to the federal government’s efforts to reduce the number of Nigerian children who are not attending school.
He clarified that the 16-year-old admissions threshold would be reinstated, with “gifted children” being an exemption.
Alausa further declared that the educational strategy in Nigeria would be modified to emphasize a theoretical model at 20% and a practical approach at 80%.
He claimed that by giving students skills that are immediately applicable to the labor market, practical education would contribute in the fight against unemployment.
According to Alausa, in order to train students and assist them in realizing their potential, the Federal Government intends to work with the business sector.
Additionally, he stated that in order to increase food security, agricultural universities will receive assistance in implementing mechanized farming.
“We’ll concentrate on technical and vocational education (TVET), giving students real-world experience through national entrepreneurial institutions and federal technical colleges.
“We will provide financial incentives to support the requirement that all specialized universities have mechanized farms,” he said.
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Alausa promised unions a “new beginning” in response to the frequent strikes in higher education, promising a friendly atmosphere to avoid protracted school closures brought on by labor activities.
He declared, “ASUU, NASU, SSANU, ASUP, COEASU, and others are starting over.”
Under President Bola Tinubu, he pleaded with the unions to give the administration an opportunity to fulfill its promises.
Alausa also pledged to update the educational system to satisfy the needs of the twenty-first century, emphasizing STEM and medical sciences to support workforce development.
