Monday Reuben, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Federal Government is considering making special provisions for exceptionally talented students who do not meet the current age requirement for university admissions, according to the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman. This was disclosed during the 68th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting held in Abuja.
Addressing concerns surrounding the age limit policy, Prof. Mamman clarified that the 18-year age restriction for university admissions, as outlined in the National Policy on Education, only applies to tertiary institutions and not to students sitting for O’level exams such as WAEC, NECO, NBAIS, and NABTEB.
“There is a need to clarify yet again the misrepresentation on the issue of the 18 years age limit for admission to universities,” Mamman said. “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.”
However, the minister noted that the government acknowledges the presence of highly gifted students who may not meet the 18-year age requirement but have the intellectual capacity to enter university. “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,” he added.
### Government’s Commitment to Skill Acquisition and Digital Education
In addition to addressing the age limit issue, Prof. Mamman highlighted the Federal Government's focus on equipping students with essential skills at the basic education level. He emphasized that the government is working to ensure that students acquire at least two practical skills during their formative years to better prepare them for the future.
The 68th NCE meeting also provided a platform for the Federal Government to outline its achievements and ongoing plans to reform the education sector. This year's meeting is focused on innovation, digital technology, and entrepreneurship, signaling the government's intent to align the nation’s education system with the demands of the digital age.
One of the key topics of discussion was the need to review the national curriculum to better equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a technology-driven world. The minister emphasized that advancing the curriculum is crucial to ensuring students can meet the challenges of the digital age.
### Conclusion
The Federal Government’s decision to consider making special provisions for exceptionally gifted students reflects its commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring inclusivity in the education sector. As the country moves towards a more digitally focused economy, the education sector is being reformed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern world.
The 68th National Council on Education meeting is expected to set the stage for a series of reforms that will modernize Nigeria’s education system and ensure that students are equipped to meet the demands of the future.