In a social media statement, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar strongly criticized the federal government’s directive barring tertiary institutions from admitting candidates under 18 years old.
Atiku labeled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as directionless, comparing it to a ship adrift at sea.
He condemned the policy as illogical and detrimental to learning, arguing that it contradicts the values of federalism and academic freedom. The Education Minister, Tahir Mamman, introduced the policy, which establishes 18 as the minimum age for university admission, citing the 6-3-3-4 education system. Mamman justified the move by expressing worries that younger students might struggle with university challenges.
In response, Atiku argued that the policy goes against the constitution and exceeds federal powers. He highlighted that education is a shared responsibility, giving more authority to state governments.
Atiku emphasized that talented students, no matter their age, should be nurtured and assisted, not restricted from higher education. He urged educators and supporters of academic freedom to denounce the policy.
He said, “The policy runs foul of the notion of delineation of responsibilities in a federal system of government such as we are practising, and gives a graphic impression of how the Tinubu government behaves like a lost sailor on a high sea. Otherwise, how is such anti-scholarship regulation the next logical step in the myriad of issues besetting our educational system?
“To be clear, the Nigerian constitution puts education in the concurrent list of schedules, in which the sub-national government enjoys more roles above the federal government.
“Therefore, it is extra-constitutional for the federal government to legislate on education in a manner similar to a decree.
“The best global standard for such regulation is to allow the sub-national governments to make respective laws or rules on education.
“It is discouraging that even while announcing this obnoxious policy, the government inadvertently said it had no plan to cater for specially gifted pupils. That statement is an embarrassment to the body of intellectuals in the country because it portrays Nigeria as a country where gifted students are not appreciated.
“The irony here is that should the federal government play any role in education, it is to set up mechanisms that will identify and grant scholarships to gifted students not minding their ages before applying for admission into tertiary institutions.
“This controversial policy belongs in the Stone Ages and should be roundly condemned by everyone who believes in intellectual freedom and accessibility.”
