UNDER-18 WASSCE BAN: ASUU, NUT CLASH WITH FG OVER NEW POLICY

 

WAEC EXAMINATION 

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has expressed strong disapproval of the Federal Government's decision to prohibit candidates under the age of 18 from participating in key national examinations, including the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council (NECO) exams. In contrast, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has shown support for the new policy.

This development follows an announcement by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’. Prof. Mamman revealed that the Federal Government has enforced a minimum age requirement of 18 for students sitting for secondary school leaving examinations. This policy effectively bars underage candidates from taking the WASSCE and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), both of which are crucial for university admission in Nigeria.

Prof. Mamman emphasized that this directive, which also affects the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), is not a new policy but rather a reinforcement of an existing one. He clarified that the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), managed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), will also enforce this age limit starting from the 2024 academic year.

The Minister detailed the expected educational timeline for students, beginning with early childhood care at age five, followed by primary education starting at age six, junior secondary school by age 12, and senior secondary school by age 15. The new policy aims for students to reach the university level by age 18.

However, this policy has sparked significant criticism, particularly from stakeholders in higher education, as many underage students have already taken the UTME. After receiving backlash, the Minister briefly reversed the directive, allowing 16-year-olds to be admitted to universities for the 2024 session, with a full enforcement of the age policy set for 2025.

The NUT, represented by its Secretary-General, Dr. Mike Ene, has argued that the policy does not account for societal changes, such as the trend of early enrollment in educational institutions due to economic pressures. Dr. Ene highlighted that exceptional students who excel academically despite being younger than their peers might be unjustly affected by this policy. He warned that the age restriction could lead to legal challenges and urged the government to reconsider its stance.

Similarly, ASUU has argued that the ability of a student, rather than their age, should determine their readiness for exams. They stressed that the government should prioritize critical issues such as improving school infrastructure and teacher welfare over age-based restrictions. 

Some critics, including the National President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, Mallam Musa Ibrahim, have supported the policy, arguing that emotional maturity is just as important as intellectual readiness in determining a student's success. He linked high failure rates in national examinations to the participation of younger, less mature students.

In contrast, others have raised concerns about the government's inconsistency, pointing out that while the policy restricts younger students from taking exams, it permits child marriages in certain regions of the country. The Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities is expected to deliberate on the policy in their upcoming September meeting.

Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, National President of ASUU, commented that while the union has not yet officially discussed the matter, he personally believes that children should follow the standard educational progression, ultimately reaching university at the age of 18.

Finally, WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dagnut, emphasized that educational regulation falls under the government’s jurisdiction, reinforcing the government's right to implement such policies.