By Saheed Ibrahim

Following the reversal of the 18-year university admission benchmark, students and parents have praised the new Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

Alausa last week abolished the 18-year admission benchmark set by the former Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.

Mamman’s directive had sparked protests among parents, students, and some stakeholders in the education sector.

During his inaugural ministerial press conference in Abuja, Alausa hinted at the possibility of his administration reviewing the nation’s education policy, directing that the age limit be set at 16 years, with exceptions granted for “gifted children.”

The Minister noted that the 18-year minimum age could hinder the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.

He also mentioned that the government was working towards making the country’s education system more practical than theoretical, particularly in tertiary institutions.

Reacting to the announcement, students and parents, who spoke with The Hope, expressed relief, thanking the minister for listening to their concerns.

Master Taye Adeniran told The Hope he had feared he would not be admitted to university in the next admission cycle, but the new directive has allayed his worries.

Similarly, Abimbola Ogundeji, who is in senior secondary school, could not hide her happiness about the new policy.

“I am so happy because I was worried I would have to stay home for two years before I could be admitted to a university of my choice. This is a relief to me and my parents because they have been very worried,” the 16-year-old said.

A parent, Mr. Bode Akinrogbe, said the reversal to a 16-year benchmark is the best move for the country.

He added that Nigeria needs to look inward and establish policies that meet its current demands, rather than adopting a fire-brigade approach to managing the education sector.

Another parent, Mrs. Deborah Oluwanisola, told The Hope she was relieved, given that two of her children had recently completed their secondary school education, and she feared they would have to stay at home until they were 18.

“This is good news for me and my kids. We have been worried because I didn’t know what they would be doing at home.

“With this new directive, I am glad they can now gain admission to university. May God bless the new Minister,” she prayed.