LAGOS — Education Stakeholders Criticize FG’s Decision to Set Age Limit for SSCE at 18
Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector have voiced strong opposition to the Federal Government’s decision to set 18 as the minimum age for students to take the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE). They argue that this policy will hinder progress in the sector.
The controversy arose after the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, announced that starting in 2025, candidates under 18 will be barred from sitting for the SSCE. This decision also means that students who do not meet the age requirement will be ineligible for admission to tertiary institutions.
Stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the National Parents/Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and members of the Concerned Parents and Educators Network (CPE), expressed their disapproval during discussions with Vanguard.
Federal Government’s Position
The Minister of Education, Professor Mamman, revealed the new policy during a television interview, stating that the age requirement aligns with the 6-3-3-4 education system in Nigeria. Under this system, children are expected to start primary school at age six and complete secondary school by 18. However, many students often graduate at 16 or younger due to accelerated academic progress.
In July, the Ministry of Education introduced a policy requiring candidates to be at least 18 years old to gain admission to tertiary institutions. An exception was made for the 2024 admission cycle, allowing candidates as young as 16 to apply. However, from 2025 onwards, students under 18 will no longer be allowed to take the SSCE.
Professor Mamman emphasized that the policy is not new but has been in place for some time, although it has not been strictly enforced. He added that this move aims to ensure that students spend the required number of years at each educational level before advancing.
Stakeholder Reactions
Dr. Mike Ene, Secretary General of the NUT, expressed disappointment with the policy, arguing that it could negatively impact the education sector. He urged the government to reconsider the decision and consult widely with stakeholders before implementing such changes.
Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, Deputy National President of NAPTAN, announced that the organization is prepared to challenge the policy in court if the government does not reverse its decision. He warned that the policy could undermine the aspirations of parents and students and negatively affect the education system.
Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, National President of CONUA, suggested that the age limit for tertiary education admission should be set at 17 rather than 18. He called for a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss the policy and ensure it reflects the realities of the current educational landscape.
ASUU National President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, supported the idea of maintaining an age requirement for higher education but emphasized the importance of following established rules and regulations. He also noted that parents should be responsible for ensuring their children are emotionally mature before entering higher education.
Mr. Oladapo Adekoya, a member of CPE, criticized the policy as outdated and counterproductive, arguing that it fails to address the real issues facing the education sector.
WAEC’s Response
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), one of the bodies responsible for conducting SSCE, stated that it would respond to the policy change later. WAEC’s Head of Public Relations, Moyosore Adesina, noted that the organization conducts exams in other West African countries, and Nigeria does not have sole authority over its operations.
JAMB’s Stance
The issue of appropriate age for writing exams first gained attention earlier this year when the Education Minister proposed setting the minimum age for university admission at 18. This suggestion faced strong opposition, leading to the decision to maintain the age limit at 16.
The law establishing JAMB does not specify an age requirement for university admission, leaving it to individual universities to set their own guidelines. Most universities currently accept candidates who are at least 16 years old.
The JAMB Act of 1989 allows the Minister of Education to issue directives to the Board, and it is the Board’s duty to comply. However, the Act does not mandate a specific age for university admission, leaving room for interpretation and flexibility.
In summary, the Federal Government’s decision to set 18 as the minimum age for taking the SSCE has sparked widespread criticism and concerns about its potential impact on Nigeria’s education sector. Stakeholders are calling for a more inclusive and consultative approach to policy-making in the sector.
