The Federal Government has clarified that its proposed education policy, which sets restrictions on the age for writing senior school certificate examinations and university entry, has not yet been implemented. This clarification comes amidst public concerns over reports suggesting that students under 18 years old would be barred from writing the exams.
Speaking at an event in Abuja marking the 2024 International Literacy Day, Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, emphasized that the government has not yet enforced any policy stopping underage students from taking the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. He explained that recent statements made by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, were misunderstood by the public.
Dr. Sununu clarified that Prof. Mamman’s remarks were specifically addressing the minimum entry age for tertiary institutions, which under Nigeria’s 6:3:3:4 education system, is set at 18 years. The Minister expressed concern over reports of underage admissions, citing instances where children as young as 10, 11, and 12 years old were admitted to universities in Nigeria.
While addressing the confusion, Dr. Sununu reiterated that the policy is still being developed in consultation with stakeholders, including the National Assembly. He urged the public to understand that the government’s aim is to ensure students are appropriately prepared, both academically and developmentally, for higher education.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of aligning educational policies with global standards while addressing the challenges posed by early university admissions in the country.
