EDUCATION SECTORS AT ODDS OVER FEDERAL EXAM AGE LIMIT.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has criticized the Federal Government’s decision to ban candidates under 18 from taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council (NECO) exams. On the other hand, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) supports the policy, according to The PUNCH
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, recently announced on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’ that the Federal Government has set a minimum age of 18 for students to sit for these exams. He clarified that this is not a new policy but a reinforcement of existing regulations. The age limit also applies to the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), managed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Mamman explained that this age requirement aligns with the typical educational timeline in Nigeria, where students usually complete primary and secondary education and reach the age of 18 before entering university.
NUT
However, the policy has faced backlash. Critics argue that it disregards societal changes, such as earlier school enrollment due to economic pressures, and does not consider academically advanced students who may be ready for higher education before 18.
Dr. Mike Ene, Secretary-General of NUT, suggested that the policy should be implemented from the primary school level to be effective. He also warned that it might face legal challenges and urged the government to rethink its approach.
Similarly, Mr. Shammah Kpanja, National President of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), advised the government to focus on more pressing issues like improving infrastructure and teachers’ welfare, rather than imposing age restrictions. He also pointed out that the policy neglects gifted students who might be ready for university earlier than others.
Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, and Dr. Amos Dagnut, Head of National Office at WAEC, both recognized the government’s right to regulate education but expressed concerns about the implementation and potential impact of the policy.
Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, ASUU National President, emphasized that children should follow the standard academic progression and questioned the rush to push younger students into university. He argued that university admission should align with the age of adulthood, which is 18.
Mallam Musa Ibrahim, National President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, supported the policy, linking high failure rates in national exams to students under 18. He argued that younger students often lack the emotional maturity needed for university life, making them more vulnerable to negative influences.
In conclusion, while the policy is intended to standardize the age of entry into higher education, it has sparked significant debate about its feasibility and impact on Nigerian students.
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