News
FG sustains 18 years entry age for SSCE, UTME candidates
The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education has confirmed that the minimum age for candidates sitting for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination remains at 18 years.
The Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, had in July stated that with effect from 2025, any candidate below the age of 18 will not be allowed to sit the SSSCE and without which such students cannot secure admission to higher institutions of learning.
The announcement generated heated debate among parents and education stakeholders.
Following this, the Committees on Basic Education and Examination Boards took this matter to the leadership of the House of Representatives.
The speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, promptly appointed the House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvere, to moderate a meeting between the two committees and the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman.
“The meeting was held on Wednesday, September 4, and the minister attended together with the Minister of State for Education, Dr Tanko Sununu, as well as the heads of basic education examination bodies.
The minister explained that the policy that relates to the 18 years age requirement for entry into the university is a policy that was developed before the adoption of the 6-3-3-4 system.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, Mark Useni, gave reasons the Federal Government might not likely reverse the decision.
The minister explained that the policy that relates to the 18 years age requirement for entry into the university is a policy that was developed before the adoption of the 6-3-3-4 system.
He explained that the policy also has a root in the Universal Basic Education Act.
Useni, a member of the All Progressives Congress representing Takum/Donga/Ussa Federal Constituency, Taraba State, frowned on the situation where children not older than 12 “are being made to seek admission into universities.
“While the policy is meant to ensure that children pursue their education alongside their cognitive and physical development and maturity, the Ministry of Education should develop a framework for proper transition into a full policy implementation.
“The Ministry of Education must ensure that students who are already progressing in the senior classes in secondary schools are not left stranded after completion of that level of education.
“We mandated the minister and his team to work out ways of handling the policy based on data available to the ministry and ensure that the policy does not jeopardise public interest,” he added.
Earlier, Prof Tahir said the policy is not peculiar to Nigeria, while also making reference to military and paramilitary institutions which place the entry age at 18 years.
He also said that the voting age in Nigeria is pegged at 18 years.
News
BUK expels 171 students for admission frauds
The affected students cut across different departments and levels, describing the action as part of efforts to sanitise its academic records
The Senate of Bayero University Kano has approved the expulsion of 171 students over falsification of admission entry qualifications.
In a statement published in the university’s weekly bulletin on Friday, said that the decision was taken during the Senate’s 433rd meeting held on March 4, 2026.
It said that following an investigation by the Senate’s Committee on Entry Qualification Irregularities, the affected students were found to have presented falsified credentials during their admission processes.
The university noted that the offence constitutes a violation of Section 20.7, Category A (vii) of its General Examinations and Academic Regulations, which prescribes expulsion for such misconduct.
It added that the affected students cut across different departments and levels, describing the action as part of efforts to sanitise its academic records.
News
Tinubu renews determination to conquer insecurity nationwide
Tinubu revealed that security cooperation formed a major part of his recent engagements abroad, particularly during his visit to the United Kingdom, adding that his government was prepared to leverage Nigeria’s goodwill and existing credit lines to acquire the needed support.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on Sunday that his administration is intensifying diplomatic engagements with world leaders to secure critical equipment and training support for Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies as part of a renewed push to end insecurity across the country.
He disclosed this while receiving state governors who paid him a courtesy visit his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, where he observed the Eid-el-Fitr holidays after returning from his two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.
President Tinubu said that the discussions with international partners, including recent talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, were already yielding prospects for collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
Tinubu revealed that security cooperation formed a major part of his recent engagements abroad, particularly during his visit to the United Kingdom, adding that his government was prepared to leverage Nigeria’s goodwill and existing credit lines to acquire the needed support.
“One of the major discussions in the UK is equipment and support. I can report to you that yesterday again, I had a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron on their collaboration with us for equipment and support,” the President said.
He added that efforts were ongoing to reach out to other countries willing to assist Nigeria in combating insecurity through provision of modern tools and capacity building for security personnel.
“If we have to spend our goodwill and line of credit, we have those who are willing to support us with equipment and training,” Tinubu stated.
Describing insecurity as a direct threat to national development, the President stressed that tackling the menace remained a top priority for his administration, calling for collective action by all levels of government.
“Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress and prosperity. The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and it is the challenge of insecurity in this country,” he said.
News
Why I returned to school – Emir Sanusi
“A king who acquires education attains greater dignity, but a king without education—his entire kingship is worthless.”
The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has explained that his decision for returning to school to pursue an LL.B in Common Law and Shariah at Northwest University is aimed at inspiring others, rather than practicing law.
Emir Sanusi spoke during the traditional Sallah homage, Hawan Nassarawa, at the Kano Government House, emphasising that education should precede kingship.
“A king who acquires education attains greater dignity, but a king without education—his entire kingship is worthless,” he said.
The monarch praised the Kano State Government for prioritizing education, noting that 30 percent of the state budget has been allocated to the sector.
He also encouraged citizens to pursue further studies and support educational ambitions within their families, including those of their spouses.
” We appreciate the Governor for giving top priority to education. We have seen the impact through students’ performance in NECO, JAMB, and tertiary institutions. Whoever has not completed tertiary education should go back and do so,” he said.
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, represented by Speaker Rt. Hon. Jibrin Falgore, commended Emir Sanusi for his support, describing him as a pillar of strength for the administration.
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