The Federal Government's recent directive banning under-18 candidates from sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examination Council (NECO) has sparked a heated debate.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has condemned the policy, while the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has backed it.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced the new age policy, setting the minimum age at 18, citing the need for students to complete the requisite number of years in school before advancing to tertiary education.
However, NUT Secretary-General, Dr. Mike Ene, argued that the policy is unrealistic, given the economic pressures that lead to early enrollment in schools.
ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, personally supported the policy, emphasizing the importance of standard academic progression and emotional maturity.
Meanwhile, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and NECO have stated that they will enforce the policy, as it is within the government's purview to regulate education.
The controversy has sparked a wider discussion on the country's education system, with some arguing that the policy will lead to legal challenges and others supporting it as a means to ensure students' emotional maturity and academic readiness.

Hmmm
ReplyDeleteWho said age defines maturity. NIF
ReplyDeleteUm. Sim
ReplyDeleteWetin we no go see.... Gbemi
ReplyDelete