A major divide has emerged between Nigeria’s leading education bodies as the Federal Government enforces a new age policy, banning under-18 candidates from sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council (NECO) exams. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has condemned the move, while the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has thrown its weight behind the policy.
The Federal Government’s decision, announced by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, on Channels Television, sets the minimum age for candidates taking these critical exams at 18 years. This policy, which also affects the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), aims to align students’ academic progression with their age, ensuring they are mature enough before transitioning to higher education.
Prof. Mamman emphasized that this is not a new policy but a reinforcement of existing guidelines that have been neglected over the years. He outlined a standard academic progression where children begin primary school at age six, move to secondary school at age 12, and graduate at 18, ready for university.
However, the NUT has criticized the policy, with its Secretary-General, Dr. Mike Ene, arguing that societal changes, including earlier enrollment in school due to economic pressures, make age-based restrictions unrealistic. He also warned that the policy could lead to legal challenges and potentially stifle academically gifted students.
ASUU, on the other hand, supports the policy, with its National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, advocating for adherence to the standard academic progression. He questioned the rush to university for younger students, citing the need for emotional maturity alongside intellectual readiness.
As the debate rages, other stakeholders, including the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, have expressed varying opinions. While ASUP urges the government to focus on critical issues like infrastructure and teachers’ welfare, the Vice-Chancellors are set to discuss the policy in an upcoming September meeting.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has indicated that it will comply with the government’s directive, emphasizing that education regulation falls within the government’s purview.
With the policy set to take full effect by 2025, the education sector faces significant changes, sparking a nationwide debate on the balance between academic progression and age-related maturity.
