Atiku Abubakar Criticizes Federal Government's Age Limit Policy for University Admissions

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the recently adopted age eligibility policy for university education under the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda. In a statement, Atiku described the policy, which sets age limits for entry into tertiary institutions, as "an absurdity" and "a disincentive to scholarship."

Atiku argued that the policy not only undermines educational advancement but also violates the principles of federalism by overstepping the constitutional delineation of responsibilities between the federal and sub-national governments. He emphasized that education is listed on the concurrent schedule of the Nigerian constitution, giving sub-national governments more authority in this area than the federal government.

He further condemned the policy for its failure to accommodate specially gifted students, calling it an embarrassment to the nation's intellectual community. According to Atiku, the government's approach portrays Nigeria as a country that does not appreciate its gifted students, adding that the federal government should focus on identifying and supporting these students through scholarships rather than restricting their educational opportunities based on age.

Atiku concluded by calling for widespread condemnation of the policy, which he labeled as belonging "in the Stone Ages," and urged the defense of intellectual freedom and accessibility in Nigeria's educational system.