The Federal Government’s recent decision to set 18 as the minimum age for writing the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) has been met with widespread criticism from critical stakeholders in the education sector. The stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), National Parents/Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Congress of University Academics (CONUA), Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and Concerned Parents and Educators Network (CPE), have condemned the decision, arguing that it will have negative consequences for the education sector.
The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, announced the new policy on a television program, stating that from 2025, only candidates who are 18 years old will be allowed to write the SSCE, and without doing so, they will not be able to seek admission into tertiary institutions. The stakeholders have expressed disappointment and concern over the decision, citing its potential to draw back the education sector.
The NUT Secretary General, Dr. Mike Ene, expressed disappointment, stating that the government’s declaration will negatively affect the education sector. He argued that the policy will not stand the test of time and that the government should have consulted widely before making such a decision. Ene also raised concerns about the impact on gifted children, who may be forced to wait until they are 18 to write the SSCE.
The Deputy National President of NAPTAN, Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, threatened to challenge the matter in court, stating that the policy will kill knowledge and education in the country. He argued that the world has changed and that the policy is not in tune with the reality of the times.
The National President of CONUA, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, suggested that the age for seeking admission for further studies should be left at 17, arguing that a student can leave secondary school at 16 or a little above that and seek admission for higher education at 17.
The National President of ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, called for obedience to the rules and regulations guiding activities in the sector, stating that parents should put their wards in school at six years, and by 18, they would be emotionally mature to enter higher institutions.
A member of the CPE, Mr. Oladapo Adekoya, described the policy as “modern slavery mentality and approach,” arguing that the curriculums are outdated and practically useless.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) stated that it will respond later to the policy, as it has not been informed yet.
The decision has sparked a heated debate, with stakeholders arguing that it will have far-reaching consequences for the education sector. While some argue that the policy will ensure that students are emotionally mature before entering higher institutions, others believe that it will stifle the aspirations of gifted children and draw back the education sector.