In a recent development, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government's plan to establish 18 years as the minimum age requirement for admission into universities and other tertiary institutions.

The endorsement comes following remarks made by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, about the government's consideration of instituting the age limit to address certain challenges prevalent in higher education, particularly those stemming from underage students.

Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, President of ASUU, voiced his support for the proposal, describing it as a commendable step forward. He emphasized the importance of regulatory measures to uphold academic standards, noting that age benchmarks were not unprecedented but had been neglected in recent years.

He further highlighted the historical context of age requirements in education, citing examples from primary and secondary schooling systems, where age limits were traditionally enforced.

"The issue of age benchmark is not a new thing. It’s just that regulators have not been doing their work," Osodeke remarked. "In those days, you could not go to primary school if you were not six years old. Then you spend six years and finish at age 12; and then by the time you get to secondary school you spend six years and then you graduate by 18."

The ASUU's backing underscores a unified stance with the government in addressing systemic issues within the education sector and regulatory measures to ensure quality and integrity in higher education.