By Raymond Ebireri
In a recent development, the newly appointed Minister of Education Dr Morufu Olatunji Alausa has reverted the policy of 18 year old as entry age into universities in Nigeria initiated by his predecessor Prof Tahir Mamman.
The new Minister while addressing journalists upon his assumption into office asserted that the earlier initiated policy by his predecessor is inimical to the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce the number of out of school children in the country. He also noted that the policy is not sustainable for the education sector. He stressed on retaining the 16 year age limit while exceptions would be granted for gifted children.
The new Minister emphasized a restructuring of the education system of 80 percent practical, 20 percent theory. He noted that this move will mitigate the high unemployment rate among graduates in tertiary institutions. He also emphasized the Federal Government’s collaboration with the private sector on the training of students in tertiary institutions to unleash their potentials.