by The Federal Government’s decision to ban under-18 candidates from taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) has ignited differing opinions among key educational bodies, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), according to The PUNCH.
Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’ program that the new age policy for secondary school leaving examinations would set the minimum age at 18. This policy affects not only the WASSCE but also the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Mamman clarified that this age requirement is not a new policy but a reiteration of an existing one. He explained that based on the standard academic progression—from early childhood education through senior secondary school—students are expected to reach 17 and a half years of age by the time they are ready for these exams. The new directive is meant to enforce this standard.
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However, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) strongly opposed the policy, arguing that it does not reflect current societal realities, where economic pressures lead to early enrollment in schools. Dr. Mike Ene, the NUT Secretary-General, pointed out that children are starting school earlier due to these pressures, and as a result, they may reach secondary school at a younger age than the policy anticipates. He also raised concerns about exceptional students who may be academically advanced but fall below the age requirement.
Ene warned that the policy could lead to legal challenges and criticized it as poorly conceived, urging the government to reconsider its approach. He argued that the policy should be implemented gradually, starting from the primary school level, to allow for a smoother transition.
In contrast, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) expressed support for the policy, arguing that students should follow the standard academic progression. Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, National President of ASUU, stated that children should be allowed to mature before entering university. He questioned the rush to push young students into higher education and emphasized the importance of adhering to the established academic timeline.
Osodeke suggested that the focus should be on improving the overall educational system rather than rushing students through it. He pointed out that adulthood begins at 18, and it is essential to ensure that children are adequately prepared for the responsibilities that come with higher education.
The policy has also sparked discussions among other educational stakeholders. Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, mentioned that the committee would meet in September to take a formal position on the matter. He acknowledged that while the 6-3-3-4 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, noted that the government has the authority to regulate education and enforce policies as they see fit. He emphasized that WAEC does not control or verify candidates’ ages, as these details are provided by the schools.
The debate highlights the broader issue of balancing educational standards with the realities of modern society. While the government aims to enforce a consistent age requirement, stakeholders argue that the policy must consider the diverse needs of students and the challenges faced by parents and educators in today’s economic environment. As the discussion continues, the Federal Government will need to weigh these factors carefully to ensure that the policy serves the best interests of Nigerian students and the education system as a whole.
