Abuja: The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced a reversal of the previous policy setting an 18-year age benchmark for admission into tertiary institutions. This decision was shared during his inaugural press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, signaling a shift in the national educational policy. According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Alausa explained that the initial 18-year benchmark decision was influenced by the design of the National Policy on Education. He stated, "We will not be going forward with the 18-years admission benchmark. We will go with 16 years and we are going to meet with JAMB and others on that." He further noted that exceptions would be made for gifted students, emphasizing that the 18-year requirement is no longer part of the policy. In addressing the issue of certificates obtained from institutions in Benin Republic and Togo, Dr. Alausa confirmed that the existing policy of withdrawing such certificates will remain in effect. This measure aims to combat the prevalence of fake certificates in the educational system. Dr. Alausa also identified reducing the number of out-of-school children as a key priority for the ministry. He mentioned plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to implement conditional cash transfers as incentives for increased school enrollment. Additionally, nutritional programs will be introduced to support students' health, contributing to human capital development. The News Agency of Nigeria also reported that Dr. Alausa, along with the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad, was officially welcomed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nasiru Sani-Gwarzo.