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Controversial Policy: 5 Reasons the New Age Restriction for WAEC Sparks Debate

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has voiced strong disapproval of the Federal Government’s new policy banning students under 18 from taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). This policy has received backing from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), as reported by The PUNCH.

On Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics,’ Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman revealed that a new regulation now requires students to be at least 18 years old to sit for these critical exams, which are essential for advancing to higher education. This policy also affects the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), the bodies responsible for administering these tests. Additionally, the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), managed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), will also enforce this age restriction.

Mamman emphasized that this is not a new regulation but a reaffirmation of existing guidelines. According to him, the educational timeline—spanning from early childhood education to senior secondary school—naturally leads students to be 18 by the time they are ready for university. As a result, WAEC and NECO will no longer permit younger students to take their exams unless they have completed the necessary educational years.

The policy has sparked controversy, particularly from those who believe it does not account for exceptionally gifted students who may be younger but still advanced academically. Dr. Mike Ene, Secretary-General of NUT, criticized the policy as unrealistic given modern educational practices and economic pressures that lead to early enrollment in crèches. He warned that this policy could face legal challenges and called for a reevaluation.

Mr. Shammah Kpanja, President of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), suggested that the focus should be on the capabilities of students rather than their age. He advocated for addressing critical issues such as improving school infrastructure and teacher welfare instead of imposing age limits on exams.

Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, noted that the policy aligns with the long-standing 6-3-3-4 education system, which sets specific age expectations for educational milestones. He questioned why enforcing this policy is causing such concern now.

Dr. Amos Dagnut, WAEC’s Head of National Office, asserted that regulating education falls within the government’s jurisdiction, and that WAEC will adhere to the policies set by educational institutions regarding candidates’ ages.

Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, ASUU President, pointed out that students should progress according to the traditional academic timeline and questioned the urgency of entering university at a younger age. Mallam Musa Ibrahim, President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, supported the policy, emphasizing the importance of emotional maturity and the risks associated with younger students in higher education.

While some support the policy for its focus on maturity and educational progression, others argue that it overlooks exceptional students and fails to address broader issues in the educational system.

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