The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has insisted that the government will not shift ground on the decision on 18 years as minimum age for entry in to Universities.

Recall that the minister’s announcement on the age limit had come under criticism from parents and students who described the policy as outdated and a backward path as far as educational development was concerned.

Speaking at the 68thNational Council on Education (NCE) meeting on Thursday in Abuja, Mamman insisted that the decision was not a new one rather, he was only championing the implementation of the policy to strengthen the education system.

He said: “There Is a need to clarify yet again the misrepresentation on the issue of 18 years age limit for admission to universities which was earlier mentioned.

“The Ministry was only drawing attention to the age requirement for entry into tertiary institutions as enshrined in the National Policy on Education (6-3-3-4 System); the UBEC Act and Education (Minimum) Standards Act 1993, and not the age limit for students participating in WAEC, NECO, NBAIS, NABTEB or any Ordinary Level examination.

“Nevertheless, the Ministry acknowledges that some children are exceptionally intelligent, and the Ministry will work out a guideline to deal with cases of genuine exceptionally intelligent learners.”

Meanwhile, the Minister has announced that a new curriculum for Basic and Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria is about to be rolled out this October.

He explained that the curriculum was designed to incorporate knowledge, skills and values, especially with a special focus on skills, so that students, when they graduate, will have skills that they can connect with the economy and have a productive life.

“The world we live in and its future is very different from the times of old. Today, we share a common challenge that the country’s educational curriculum is all in danger of becoming obsolete as technology is disrupting every industry, including education.

“A well-designed and effective curriculum determines a sustainable development, quality, and the relevance of education.

“This is the main reason why the government places priority on the institutionalization of curriculum development in the overall context of education.” (New Telegraph)