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FG sustains 18 years entry age for SSCE, UTME candidates

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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.

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Buhari and I were admitted to the same hospital – Abdulsalami Abubakar

The former military ruler said that he learned of Buhari’s death after he had been discharged.

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Former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd).

Former Military Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has revealed he was admitted to the same hospital in London, United Kingdom, as former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The former military ruler said that he learned of Buhari’s death after he had been discharged.

“Unfortunately, we were in the hospital together, but I have been discharged,” he said.

“When I heard the news of his death, I quickly went there to condole with the family and see what could be done to get the corpse ready to be taken home.”

“My relationship with Buhari goes as far back as 1962. We joined the military, he was my senior and during the unfortunate civil war we were fighting in the same sector. Gen Buhari was a gentleman; he was very quiet and sincere.

You can trust Buhari with anything on this earth and he will not betray you,” he added.

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FG declares Tuesday public holiday to honour Buhari

The minister stated that the holiday is a mark of respect for the deceased president’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.

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The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday in honour of the late former president, Muhammadu Buhari.

The Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

The minister stated that the holiday is a mark of respect for the deceased president’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.

“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” the minister said.He urged citizens to use the day to honour the late president’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.

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JUST IN: Buhari to be Buried in Daura on Tuesday

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Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will be buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.

It was gathered that Buhari will be laid to rest tomorrow, Tuesday, in Daura, as his body arrived Nigeria today.

Buhari passed away at a clinic in London, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness, at 4:30 pm on Sunday.

His former media spokesman, Garba Shehu, disclosed this via X on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Governor Radda of Katsina State has announced the burial arrangements for late President Muhammadu Buhari who passed away yesterday in a hospital in London.

Addressing journalists during a press briefing in Katsina, Governor Radda revealed that, following consultations with the late President’s family and close associates in London, it has been agreed that the remains of the former leader will arrive Katsina tomorrow, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, by 12 noon.

He further disclosed that the burial will take place in Daura, the hometown of the late President, by 2:00 p.m. on the same day.

Governor Radda expressed deep condolences on behalf of himself, the Government, and the people of Katsina State, to the family of the late President and to all Nigerians mourning the loss of a national icon.

“We pray Almighty Allah to grant his soul eternal rest and reward him with Aljannatul Firdaus,” the Governor said.

“We also condole His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over the passing of his predecessor.

May Allah give us the strength to bear this great loss.”

The Government of Katsina State is coordinating with federal authorities and the family to ensure a befitting and dignified farewell for the late elder statesman.

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