The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has expressed appreciation to Dr. Tunji Alausa, the newly appointed Minister of Education, for reversing the 18-year minimum age for tertiary institution admissions, returning it to 16 years. This reversal was announced by Alausa at his inaugural press conference, where he explained that the former policy stemmed from a rigid interpretation of the National Policy on Education. The decision to revert to a 16-year minimum age was welcomed by the NUT, private school owners, and other education stakeholders who had previously criticized the 18-year benchmark as restrictive.
In his remarks, NUT National President Dr. Mike Ike-Ene congratulated the new minister and emphasized the importance of inclusive decision-making in the education sector. He called on Alausa to consider all stakeholders, warning against potential influence from individuals with personal agendas that might derail his objectives. Ike-Ene stressed that education policies should serve the entire nation rather than select interests, highlighting the importance of gradual policy implementation to avoid disruptions for students and families.
The President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Mr. Yomi Odubela, echoed these sentiments, stating that the reversal demonstrates a commitment to collaboration with private institutions and education bodies.
**Minister Alausa Outlines New Initiatives and Reforms in Education**
In addition to the admission age policy, Minister Alausa outlined several initiatives aimed at tackling Nigeria’s education challenges. To reduce the number of out-of-school children, he announced plans to work with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to provide cash transfer incentives, making education more accessible. Nutritional programs will also be introduced to support students’ health, contributing to better human capital development.
Addressing the persistent issue of graduate unemployment, Alausa emphasized the need for practical education. He pledged that 80% of education in technical and vocational training (TVET) would focus on hands-on experience, with only 20% theoretical. The Federal Government aims to collaborate with the private sector for skill training and plans to enhance universities of agriculture to engage in mechanized farming to address food security.
To tackle the recurring strikes in tertiary institutions, Alausa promised a “new beginning” with unions, assuring that the government under President Bola Tinubu would work towards fulfilling past commitments. His vision includes aligning Nigeria’s educational system with 21st-century demands, with a particular focus on STEM and medical sciences to drive manpower development.
By reversing restrictive policies and prioritizing practical training, the new minister’s approach has so far been positively received by education leaders, who anticipate that these reforms will foster greater stability and accessibility within Nigeria’s education system.
