A recent directive by Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Prof. Mamman Tahir, has sparked widespread outrage among key stakeholders in the education sector. The directive mandates that, beginning in 2025, students must be at least 18 years old to write the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE).
This decision, which also restricts younger students from seeking admission to tertiary institutions, has been met with strong opposition, with critics arguing that it will negatively impact the country’s educational progress.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and various education advocates have all voiced their concerns. Many of these stakeholders believe the policy is misguided and fails to consider the realities of Nigeria’s education system.
“A Step Backwards” – NUT Criticizes the Policy
Dr. Mike Ene, Secretary General of the NUT, expressed deep disappointment with the government’s decision, labeling it as a setback for education in Nigeria. “This policy will simply draw the education sector back,” Ene said. He questioned the process behind the decision, noting that such significant changes should be widely discussed among stakeholders before implementation. “They cannot just wake up and make such a decision. They must consult widely on it.”
Ene pointed out that many students currently complete their secondary education before turning 18, particularly as children are often enrolled in school as early as three years old. He warned that this policy could leave many young students with idle time, which could lead to negative consequences. “Devil finds work for idle hands,” he added, emphasizing the potential risks of leaving young students without productive activities.
Parents to Challenge the Directive in Court
Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, Deputy National President of NAPTAN, took an even firmer stance, stating that parents would challenge the policy in court if the government does not reverse its decision. “We will sue the government if they refuse to drop the policy,” Ogunbanjo said, describing the directive as an attempt to “kill knowledge and education in the country.” He argued that the policy is out of touch with current realities and would harm students who are ready for higher education before reaching 18.
CONUA Suggests 17 as a Reasonable Compromise
Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, National President of CONUA, suggested that the minimum age for SSCE and tertiary admission should be set at 17, rather than 18. “A student can leave secondary school at 16 or a little above that and seek admission for higher education at 17,” Sunmonu said. He called for a more inclusive discussion involving all education stakeholders to reach a consensus on the issue. “The policy should go through the process of acceptance by all and even be legislated upon by the National Assembly,” he added.
ASUU Advocates for Adherence to Education Guidelines
ASUU’s National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, supported the notion of adhering to established educational guidelines, including starting primary education at age six. He argued that children would be more emotionally mature by the time they reach 18, making them better prepared for higher education. However, he also acknowledged the concerns about how this policy might affect gifted children, though he noted that the number of students in that category is relatively small.
“A Modern Slavery Mentality” – CPE Criticizes the Policy
Oladapo Oludare Adekoya, a member of the Concerned Parents and Educators Network (CPE), harshly criticized the directive, calling it a “modern slavery mentality.” Adekoya argued that the policy distracts from more pressing issues in the education sector, such as outdated curriculums and inadequate skill development. “At 18, a young adult should be fully set to launch a career path if all necessary skills and abilities are properly impacted,” he said, urging the government to focus on improving education quality rather than imposing restrictive age limits.
WAEC and JAMB Yet to Fully Respond
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), one of the bodies responsible for conducting SSCE, has yet to issue a formal response to the new directive. However, the Head of Public Relations at WAEC, Moyosore Adesina, indicated that the organization would address the issue at a later time, noting that the policy might affect WAEC’s operations across other West African countries.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has also been involved in discussions about the appropriate age for university admission. Earlier in the year, the age was left at 16 after significant opposition from stakeholders when the minister initially proposed raising it to 18. The JAMB Act of 1989, which governs the board’s operations, does not specify an age for admission, leaving such decisions to the discretion of individual university senates.
Government Stands by Policy
Despite the backlash, the Minister of Education has defended the policy, stating that it aligns with the 6-3-3-4 educational system, where a child typically completes secondary education at 18. Mamman blamed parents for pushing their children into education too early and argued that the policy would ensure students are mature enough for the challenges of higher education.
While the directive aims to standardize the education system and ensure students are adequately prepared for tertiary education, its opponents believe it will create unnecessary obstacles and hinder educational progress. As the 2025 implementation date approaches, it remains to be seen whether the government will reconsider its position in the face of mounting pressure from parents, educators, and other stakeholders.