“Tinubu’s Policy on Age Limit for Tertiary Education Belongs in the Stone Ages” — Atiku Abubakar

In a strongly worded statement, former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the recent policy introduced by the Tinubu administration, which imposes age limits for entry into tertiary institutions. Abubakar described the policy as “an absurdity” and a significant “disincentive to scholarship.”

Abubakar emphasized that the policy is a stark departure from the principles of federalism, noting that it infringes upon the constitutional responsibilities of sub-national governments in Nigeria. “The policy runs foul of the notion of delineation of responsibilities in a federal system of government such as we are practicing,” he said, adding that it paints “a graphic impression of how the Tinubu government behaves like a lost sailor on a high sea.”

Highlighting the constitutional framework, Abubakar pointed out that education is listed under the concurrent list in Nigeria’s constitution, which grants more authority to state governments than the federal government in matters of education. “It is extra-constitutional for the federal government to legislate on education in a manner similar to a decree,” he stated. According to Abubakar, the best global standard would be to allow state governments to make their respective laws or rules on education.

Abubakar also criticized the federal government for failing to address the needs of gifted students in its announcement of the policy. “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,” he said. He further argued that the federal government’s role should be to “set up mechanisms that will identify and grant scholarships to gifted students, not minding their ages before applying for admission into tertiary institutions.”

In conclusion, Abubakar called for widespread condemnation of the policy, labeling it as a relic of the “Stone Ages.” He urged all Nigerians who value intellectual freedom and accessibility to speak out against the regulation.

“This controversial policy belongs in the Stone Ages and should be roundly condemned by everyone who believes in intellectual freedom and accessibility,” Abubakar declared.