The federal government has reversed the controversial 18-year entry age for university education.
The new minister of education, Dr Morufu Tunji Alausa, made the announcement while briefing journalists upon assuming office on Tuesday in Abuja.
Recalls that the policy, initially approved by the immediate-past minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, sparked debates regarding its impact on candidates.
Alausa stated that the policy was detrimental to the federal government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country and was not sustainable for the education sector.
He confirmed that the 16-year age limit would be maintained, with exceptions made for gifted children.
The new minister also said going forward, Nigeria’s education system will be 80 percent practical and 20 percent classroom/ theoretical.
Alausa said practical education will help to curb the unemployment situation in Nigeria as tertiary institutions will not continue churning out graduates on a yearly basis without jobs for Nigerians.
He said the federal government will work with private sector operators for the training of students to unleash their potential.
Alausa was among the 10 ministers who got new portfolios after last month’s cabinet reshuffle which led to the exit of his predecessor.
He was formerly Minister of State for Health.