A university don, Professor Tunde Akanni, has commended the Federal Government for reintroducing the 16-year age limit for admission into Nigeria’s universities, describing the move as timely and beneficial to the education sector.
Akanni, a Professor of Journalism and Communication at Lagos State University (LASU), spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday at the Graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony of Adedokun International Schools, held in Iyana-Iyesi, Ota.
According to him, the policy is neither new nor misplaced, but a reaffirmation of global best practices in university education.
“This is a welcome development. It will ensure that universities admit students who are mature enough to cope with the demands of higher education,” he said.
“Underage Students Struggle with Independence”
Akanni noted that in most parts of the world, underage students are rarely admitted into universities, while in Nigeria, a concerning number of such students struggle to function independently.
“University education is designed to prepare young people for adult life. If a student cannot live independently as an undergraduate, then they are not ready for university life,” he added.
While acknowledging that a few exceptionally gifted students may thrive despite their age, he stressed that the majority lack the emotional and mental maturity required at that level of education.
Parents Urged to Avoid Rushing Children
The professor advised parents to avoid pressuring their children into early university admission, warning that premature exposure to tertiary education could hinder their overall development.
“Being in a hurry for your child to gain admission does not necessarily translate into future success,” he cautioned.
Call for Stronger Social Campaigns
Akanni also called on governments at all levels to strengthen their public communication efforts. He advocated the creation of dedicated teams for social campaigns, monitoring, and evaluation, particularly to address issues such as youth exposure to social media abuse.
“We need to regulate and guide the digital space, especially for young people. Education policies must be supported by strong awareness strategies,” he said.
The Federal Government, on July 16, formally reinstated the 16-year minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
