In a bold move to reshape Nigeria’s educational landscape, the newly appointed Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has officially abolished the 18-year admission benchmark into tertiary institutions.
The decision, announced at his inaugural ministerial press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, signals a shift in the country’s higher education policies.
Dr. Alausa, during the press conference at the Body of Benchers’ auditorium, hinted at further plans to review the nation’s overall education policy in the coming months.
However, the minister was firm in stating that there would be no reversal of the federal government’s earlier decision to void over 22,700 degree certificates obtained by Nigerians from “fake” universities in neighboring countries like Togo and Benin Republic.
His announcement was met with immediate backlash, as attendees at the event expressed strong opposition, with many shouting “No, no, no” in protest. Despite the uproar, Dr. Alausa defended the decisions, emphasizing the importance of enforcing standards and ensuring the credibility of academic qualifications issued in Nigeria.
While the minister’s stance on the fake degrees remains unwavering, he assured that the government’s efforts will continue to prioritize academic integrity and quality education for Nigerian students.
The education ministry under his leadership, he added, will be guided by the principles of inclusivity and adaptability, reflecting the changing needs of the global educational landscape.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s education sector, with further discussions and policy updates expected in the coming months.
The abolition of the 18-year admission rule could have far-reaching implications on the nation’s higher education system, and the government’s actions on the issue of fake degrees will likely continue to stir debate across the country.
