01/09/2024
A significant change is coming to Nigeria's education system, one that might catch many parents and students off guard. The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, has announced that starting in 2025, students under the age of 18 will no longer be allowed to sit for major national exams such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This announcement came during his appearance on Channels Television, where he clarified that this decision is not new but a re-emphasis on an existing policy. “We are not coming up with a new policy,” Mamman said, “We are simply reminding people of what is existing.” According to him, the policy is in line with the natural progression of a child's education.
Why the Age Limit?
The decision rests on a fundamental idea: children should not rush through their education. The government believes that the right age to begin tertiary education is 18. This age is based on the typical timeline a child follows through the education system, starting with early childcare, progressing through primary and secondary education, and then moving to university.
By breaking it down, the minister explained:
- Early childcare education should take the first five years of a child’s life.
- By age 6, children should begin primary school, spending six years there, moving to junior secondary school at 12.
- Three years are to be spent in junior secondary, bringing the child to 15 years of age.
- Then, another three years in senior secondary school, finishing at age 18.
This structured timeline means that by the time students are ready to take exams like WAEC, NECO, and JAMB, they should ideally be 18 years old.
What does this Mean for Students and Parents?
The minister was clear: 2024 will be the last year that candidates younger than 18 will be allowed to take these exams. He emphasized that this decision is a fair warning to parents to plan accordingly. He also insisted that starting in 2025, underage students will not be permitted to sit for these examinations.
Tahir Mamman’s announcement aims to ensure that students are mature enough to handle the pressures of university education and that they have spent the appropriate amount of time in each stage of their schooling. “Even if you compute the number of years pupils and learners are supposed to be in school,” he noted, “the number you will end up with is 17 and a half, from early child care to primary school to junior secondary school, and then senior secondary school.”
A Call for Understanding and Preparation
For many families, this announcement may come as a shock. However, the Minister of Education is calling for understanding and preparation. He urges parents and guardians to view this directive as a way to ensure their children get the best possible education, free from the pressure of moving too quickly.
While some may see this as a strict policy, it’s a step towards aligning Nigeria’s educational standards with international practices, ensuring that students are adequately prepared both academically and emotionally for the demands of higher education..
