FG Denies Stopping Under 18 Candidates from Writing WASSCE and NECO Exams

The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that students under the age of 18 are not barred from taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. This statement was made by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, in Abuja on Friday during an event celebrating the 2024 International Literacy Day.

Dr. Sununu addressed the widespread public misunderstanding that followed remarks made by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman. He expressed disappointment over the misinterpretation, emphasizing that the comments were related to the appropriate age for entering tertiary institutions under Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 educational system.

“The public misconception and misinterpretation of what was said by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, is highly disappointing,” Sununu said. He clarified that the ministry’s discussion was about maintaining an 18-year entry age for universities, which aligns with the educational structure but does not restrict younger students from sitting for their WASSCE or NECO exams.

The minister further explained that while the idea of maintaining an entry age is being reviewed, concerns arose from instances where universities admitted very young students, sometimes as young as 10, 11, or 12 years old. “It was shocking to say that a university in this country gave admission to children at ages 10, 11, and 12 years. This is totally wrong,” Sununu stated. However, he acknowledged that exceptions exist for exceptionally talented students with high intellectual capacities, but these cases are rare.

Dr. Sununu assured the public that no policy had been put in place to prevent younger students from taking national exams. “Nobody said no child will write WAEC, NECO, or any other examination unless at age 18. This is a misconception and misrepresentation of what we have said,” he reaffirmed.

Speaking on the occasion of International Literacy Day, Dr. Sununu highlighted the significance of literacy in promoting mutual understanding, peace, and socio-economic development. He emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing literacy challenges through the “Education for Renewed Hope” roadmap for 2024-2027. Key to this initiative are youth and adult literacy programs, with a particular focus on teaching in learners’ mother tongues.

“We must focus on the role of a learner’s first language in becoming literate, which will foster mutual understanding and peace,” Sununu noted. He also stressed the importance of having well-trained educators who can teach in local languages and the need for the development of reading materials in these languages.

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult, and Non-formal Education, Prof. Simon Akpama, echoed this commitment, emphasizing the integration of multilingual education into literacy programs as a means of fostering peace and cultural respect.

“In an increasingly interconnected world, multilingual education is not just a necessity, it is a tool for fostering peace and cultural respect,” Akpama said.

UNESCO’s Country Representative, Mr. Diallo Abdourahamane, also addressed the gathering, reiterating that literacy is a fundamental human right and essential for creating a just, peaceful, and sustainable society.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that International Literacy Day, celebrated annually on September 8, aims to highlight the importance of literacy for individuals, communities, and societies. This year’s theme, “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace,” underscores the global focus on using education as a tool for building a more inclusive world.