Prof. Tahir Mamman, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, has faced criticism for imposing an age limit on prospective higher education students who wish to take tests administered by the National Examinations Council (NECO), the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), and Joint Admission Matriculation (JAMB).
Mamman disclosed that JAMB is going to insist that anybody applying to go to university in Nigeria meets the 18-year-old requirement.
Mamman said, “It is 18 years. What we did at the meeting that we had with JAMB (in July) was to allow this year and for it to serve as a kind of notice for parents that this year, JAMB will admit students who are below that age, but from next year, JAMB is going to insist that anybody applying to go to university in Nigeria meets the required age, which is 18.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this is not a new policy; this is a policy that has been there for a long time.
“Even basically, if you compute the number of years pupils and learners are supposed to be in school, the number you will end up with is 17 and a half—from early child care to primary school to junior secondary school and then senior secondary school. You will end up with 17 and a half by the time they are ready for admission.
“So, we are not coming up with a new policy contrary to what some people are saying; we are just simply reminding people of what is existing. In any case, NECO and WAEC henceforth will not be allowing underage children to write their examinations. In other words, if somebody has not spent the requisite number of years at that particular level of study, WAEC and NECO will not allow them to write the examination,” he told Channels TV on Sunday.
Chronicle NG highlights Nigerians’ response to Mamman’s public announcement regarding the 18-year-old age restriction for prospective higher education students.
“I’m disappointed in the government’s decision to ban candidates under 18 from sitting for WAEC and NECO exams. This decision is short-sighted and will only lead to more problems. What about those who start school early or are gifted and ready for exams before the age of 18? Shouldn’t we allow them to realize their full potential? Instead of imposing age restrictions, the government should focus on improving education quality and accessibility for all. This decision will only lead to more inequality and stifle the growth of our future leaders,” Yaqub noted.
Christopher Chukwuemeka pondered, “Why should a government prioritize this?” It can only happen when a combination of retrogressive minds and power-grabbing men are in power. According to them, their decisions are right. They should emulate other countries that promote excellence and stop our entrenched quota system and mediocrity.”
Stanley Olawale alluded, “The minister is confused; he doesn’t know what he is saying. Is it because he finished university at the age of 29?
Kola Oyegoke stated that “the problem the ministry needs to deal with is the manipulation of results in every exam in Nigeria. Bad enough is that pry six pupils, JSS 3 writing many state exams, know how to buy “expo,” and their teachers aid them. This corruption should be the first to be eradicated.
Also review our extinct educational policy and come up with a better curriculum of education after engaging all stakeholders in the Nigerian educational institution.”
“Retrogressive officials. So very bright students will be forced to wait until eighteen years before taking exams.” Emeka Ajulu and Chukwudi Ewurum queried the move, “But a girl of 13 years can marry in the same country?”. Francis Ekpenyong said, “Welcome to Nigeria, a country where less than 18-year-old are not eligible to write WAEC and NECO but are eligible for marriage.”
Hamisu Ocheje advised, “The government should put more emphasis on the educational policy and syllabus review. The age bracket for writing WAEC or NECO should not be a problem as long as the child is showing zeal; some children are just smarter or more educated than their age bracket.
Miracle Chinedu wrote, “We are a retrogressive nation under a very inept bunch of nuisance leaders without brains.”
“In developed countries, little children are projected to be high-flyers, but Nigeria’s own is a “no.”
“Very backwards country, the more we even pray for the betterment of the nation, the more stupid ideas and news we hear.”
