The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has strongly criticized the Federal Government's decision to ban candidates under the age of 18 from taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council (NECO) exams. In contrast, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed support for the policy, as reported by The PUNCH.
Education Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced the policy during an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’ program, stating that the Federal Government has set 18 as the minimum age for secondary school leaving examinations. This policy also applies to the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Mamman emphasized that this is not a new policy but rather an enforcement of an existing one. He explained that based on the standard academic timeline, students should be around 17 and a half years old by the time they are ready to sit for these exams. The new directive aims to ensure that students have completed the required years of education before taking these critical exams.
However, the NUT, represented by its Secretary-General, Dr. Mike Ene, argued that the policy is out of touch with current societal realities. He noted that economic pressures often lead parents to enroll their children in school at an earlier age, resulting in students reaching secondary school before turning 18. Ene also raised concerns about exceptional students who may be academically advanced but fall below the age threshold. He warned that the policy could face legal challenges and urged the government to reconsider.
On the other hand, ASUU has backed the policy, with its National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, arguing that students should follow the established academic progression, which leads to university admission at the age of 18. Osodeke questioned the need to rush young students into higher education and stressed the importance of allowing children to mature before taking on the responsibilities of university life.
The policy has sparked debate among other educational stakeholders as well. Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, noted that the committee would discuss the policy in September. He acknowledged that while the 6-3-3-4 educational system ties education to specific age brackets, the enforcement of this policy has raised concerns among the public.
WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dagnut, also weighed in, stating that the government has the authority to regulate education and enforce policies as it deems necessary. He emphasized that WAEC does not control or verify candidates' ages, as this information is provided by the schools.
The policy has brought to light broader issues concerning the balance between educational standards and the realities of modern society. As the debate continues, the Federal Government will need to carefully consider the perspectives of all stakeholders to ensure that the policy serves the best interests of Nigerian students and the education system.
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