The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has opposed a new government policy which bans students under the age of 18 from taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council (NECO) examinations.
The students body argued that the policy is ill-conceived and detrimental to students’ academic progress and future prospects, calling for a reconsideration of the regulation that they believe contradicts global practices and imposes undue delays on students’ educational journeys.
It would be recalled that the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, recently declared a ban on students under the age of 18 from sitting for the WASSCE and NECO exams. The decree, aired on national television, has ignited controversy from stakeholders, including NANS.
Comrade Gundu Mimidoo Joy, the Public Relations Officer of NANS, in a press statement rejecting the new regulation said; “We want to state categorically that this policy is inappropriate, ill-conceived, and contradictory to global practices.
“Many children enroll in school at a tender age and are expected to take their final national exams before turning 18. This ban will unfairly disadvantage these students, who will be forced to wait until they turn 18 to take their exams, thereby delaying their academic progress.
“Moreover, it is ironic that a government that sets an age limit of 18-25 for recruitment into various sectors is now imposing an age limit on students taking WAEC and NECO exams.
“This restriction will ultimately affect the employability of these students, as they will be unable to graduate from secondary school, proceed to university, and complete their National Youth Service before reaching the maximum age limit for employment,” she said.
According to her, in this modern era, adulthood is no longer solely defined as 18 and above, urging the government to reconsider the policy and its consequences, which will deny many young Nigerians government jobs and opportunities in the future.
“Fundamentally, we urge the government to adjust the average recruitment age to a reasonable extent, considering the peculiarities of the Nigerian state, where it takes an average of 4-8 years to complete a degree program, before taking such action.
“We call on the government to engage with stakeholders to find a more suitable solution that prioritizes the academic well-being and future prospects of Nigerian students,” she added.
LEADERSHIP Earlier reported that the ban has since sparked widespread outrage among parents, and other stakeholders.
Some parents and education stakeholders have also rejected the policy, saying it will undermines students’ academic progress and limits their future opportunities.
They expressed frustration and concern that the new regulation is unfair and disruptive, saying it will penalises students who are ready to advance their education but may not fit the age criteria.
A parent who resides in Lugbe, Abuja, John Akaa, also weighed in, emphasisng the potential drawbacks of the policy.
“The policy overlooks the diverse educational needs and circumstances of students. “Restricting access based on age rather than readiness and performance could hinder the academic progress of many young Nigerians.”
On his part, an educationist, Collins Agatha said the age matter should be applicable on to JAMB, not WAEC and NECO.
“It’s will affect the academic future of our children. If government wants to go ahead with the person, let them start it at the entry level, not when the children are already in senior classes.”
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