In a significant move, the Federal Government has announced a new policy banning admissions for candidates under the age of 18 into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

The decision, announced by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, aims to ensure that students are sufficiently mature before entering higher education.

The policy aligns with the 6-3-3-4 system of education, which stipulates 18 years as the minimum age for admission into universities and other tertiary institutions. The move is a response to concerns that some parents were pressuring underage students to gain admission into tertiary institutions, potentially hindering their emotional and intellectual development.

According to Mamman, the change is designed to prevent students from entering higher education before they are ready. He emphasized the importance of skills acquisition for those who may not gain admission into tertiary institutions, noting that the ministry is working to provide skills training from primary school level.

The new policy has sparked debate among stakeholders, with some expressing concerns about the potential impact on young prodigies and students who complete their secondary education before turning 18. However, many have welcomed the move, citing the need for emotional and intellectual maturity in handling the rigors of tertiary education."