FG Bans Under-18 Candidates from WASSCE, ASUU and NUT React
The Federal Government has announced a new policy banning candidates under the age of 18 from sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council (NECO). The decision has sparked mixed reactions from education stakeholders, with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) supporting the policy and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) condemning it.
FG’s Reasoning
According to the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, the policy aims to ensure that students complete the required number of years in school before advancing to tertiary education. He explained that the current system allows students to enter university at a very young age, which can lead to emotional immaturity and vulnerability to negative influences.
ASUU’s Support
ASUU’s National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed support for the policy, stating that children should follow the standard academic progression and not be rushed into university. He emphasized the importance of emotional maturity and the need to protect students from negative influences.
NUT’s Opposition
On the other hand, NUT’s Secretary-General, Dr. Mike Ene, condemned the policy, arguing that it is unrealistic and does not take into account exceptional students who may be academically advanced. He warned that the policy could lead to legal challenges and urged the government to rethink it.
Other Reactions
Other education stakeholders, including the National President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, Mallam Musa Ibrahim, expressed support for the policy, citing the need for emotional maturity and the high failure rates in national examinations. However, the Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, stated that the committee would meet in September to discuss the policy.
