The Nigeria Union of Teachers has praised the new Minister of Education for revising the admission age for tertiary institutions from 18 years back to 16 years. The Minister announced this change during his inaugural press conference in Abuja, stating that the decision was influenced by the National Policy on Education’s structure. He emphasized that exceptions would be made for gifted students and that the 18-year benchmark would no longer be part of the policy.
The former Minister of Education had previously banned admissions for candidates under 18 years old into tertiary institutions, which received backlash from various stakeholders. The National President of the NUT expressed satisfaction with the new minister’s swift action and urged inclusivity in decision-making processes, cautioning against the influence of sycophants.
Additionally, the Minister addressed issues such as fake certificates from foreign countries, out-of-school children, and unemployment among graduates. He highlighted plans to introduce practical education, collaborate with the private sector for student training, empower universities of agriculture in mechanized farming, and focus on technical and vocational training to reduce unemployment.
Regarding ongoing strikes in tertiary institutions, the Minister assured unions of a fresh start, aiming to prevent prolonged strikes that disrupt students’ education. He also pledged to align the educational system with 21st-century demands by prioritizing STEM and medical sciences for enhanced manpower development.