Exam Age Restriction: FG’s Policy Triggers Heated Debate Among Stakeholders

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has criticized the Federal Government’s decision to enforce a minimum age of 18 for candidates sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council (NECO) exams. This policy, reiterated by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has been positioned as a longstanding regulation that aims to align the education system with the appropriate age for university entry. However, the directive has sparked a heated debate, with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) supporting the move, while the NUT and other education stakeholders express concerns.

Prof. Mamman emphasized that the age restriction is not a new policy but a reinforcement of existing regulations. He outlined the typical educational timeline, stating that students should ideally reach the age of 18 by the time they are ready to enter university, following the standard progression through primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary education. Despite this clarification, the policy has faced criticism, particularly from those who argue that societal changes, such as earlier school enrollment due to economic pressures, make age-based restrictions impractical.

Critics, including the NUT’s Secretary-General, Dr. Mike Ene, argue that the policy does not account for exceptional students who are academically advanced but younger than 18. Ene warned that the policy could lead to legal challenges and urged the government to reconsider, suggesting that the focus should instead be on foundational education policies. He pointed out that early enrollment in crèches and rapid learning at a young age could make age-based restrictions counterproductive.

The policy has also drawn attention from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and other education stakeholders, who argue that the government should prioritize addressing more pressing issues within the education system, such as infrastructure deficits and the welfare of teachers. ASUP President, Mr. Shammah Kpanja, highlighted the inconsistencies in the government’s approach, questioning why child marriage is permitted in some regions while younger students are barred from taking important exams.

The policy has also prompted a response from the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, whose Secretary-General, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, noted that the committee would convene to discuss the matter in September. Ochefu remarked that while the 6-3-3-4 educational system has specific age brackets, the enforcement of the age restriction has become contentious only recently. He acknowledged that exceptional students could be accommodated in specialized schools for gifted children, but emphasized the need for consistency in educational policies.

Meanwhile, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has supported the government’s authority to regulate education, while the National President of ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, echoed the sentiment that students should follow the standard academic progression and enter university at 18. Additionally, the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools expressed support for the policy, citing concerns about the emotional maturity of younger students in university settings, which could lead to negative outcomes, including vulnerability to cultism and other harmful influences.