The Federal Government on Tuesday reversed the policy of pegging admissions to universities at 18 years old.
In his inaugural press briefing, the new Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed that the policy has been reversed to age 16 for university admissions.
He disclosed that there will now be more focus on practical teaching than theory.
To assist in addressing unemployment in Nigeria and give graduates skills, he said practical will now be 80%, while theory will be 20%.
According to him, the federal government will also collaborate with private sector operators to train students and boost their potentials.
The Minister also disclosed that universities of Agriculture in the country will be supported to go into farming to assist in ensuring food security.
Stressing on the possibility of reviewing the nation’s education policy, he declared that there would be any reversal of the Federal Government’s decision to void over 22,700 degree certificates obtained by Nigerians from some “fake” universities in neighbouring countries of Togo and the Benin Republic.
According to him, thorough work was done by the immediate past Minister of Education in that direction and the Federal Executive Council also made clear decision on the fake universities degrees.
The Minister also assured ASUU and other groups of President Bola Tinubu's determination to meet the commitments made to them.
He added "We will work with you based on mutual trust. We will have very good working relationship with you."
He said that the government will also create opportunities that will benefit them.
"It is a new day," the Minister declared
Answering question on Nnamdi Azikiwe University, he said no council chairman is above the law.
Any anomaly in the institution, he said, will be reversed.
Thanking the President for the honor and privilege of appointing him, he said that the President is meeting a lot of his campaign promises and putting Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth.
Pointing out that Nigerians are going through short term pain for long term gain, the Minister said the President has taken so much decisions his predecessors have shied away from.
"We are beginning to see the fruits of the hard decisions our President has been taking."
According to him, the President sent him and the Minister of State to come and push forward the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration in the education sector.
"We are ready for it, to move our education sector forward." he stated.
Noting that the Ministry will also focus on civic education, he urged Nigerians to trust the President as he is leading to take Nigeria to the promised land.
He was accompanied to the inaugural press briefing by the Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmad, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Sani Gwarzo, directors and staff of the Ministry.