Nigerians Criticize FG’s Ban on Under-18 Students from Taking WASSCE and NECO Exams

Nigerians across various sectors have expressed strong disapproval of the federal government’s recent decision to ban students under the age of 18 from sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council (NECO) exams. Many see the policy as a significant setback for the nation’s education system.

Critics argue that the new age restriction will push Nigeria’s education sector backward rather than forward. Friday Erhabor, the Director of Media and Strategies at Marklenez Limited, voiced his concerns, stating, “This policy, if allowed to stay, will take Nigeria’s education decades behind. The policymakers are not mindful of global reality.”

Erhabor further highlighted the inconsistency in government policies, pointing out that while Nigerian senators can legally marry 16-year-olds, the same age group is now deemed too immature to write crucial exams like WAEC or JAMB. “It shows how unserious we are as a nation. I think stakeholders, parents, and school administrators should resist it,” he urged.

David Imhonopi, a Professor of Industrial Sociology and Human Capital Development at Covenant University, also criticized the policy, describing it as a “misplacement of priorities.” He emphasized that the government should focus on more pressing issues within the education sector, such as infrastructure development, technology, and teachers’ welfare, rather than imposing age restrictions on exams.

“There is a mirage of challenges in our educational sector, and the age at which students write examinations or gain admission into higher institutions is the least of them,” Imhonopi said. He questioned what the government plans to do with students who are ready for exams at age 16 but are barred from taking them due to the new age policy.

Stanley Boroh, a lecturer at the Federal University, Otuoke, in Bayelsa State, also opposed the policy, arguing that it lacks a clear rationale. “Globally, young people are doing exploits, and we turn back and applaud them, yet place ours in a disadvantaged position,” Boroh remarked.

In Lagos, educationist Isaiah Ogundele condemned the policy for its potential negative impact on private education. He noted that private schools often encourage students to take the SS3 exams even at a younger age. “Pegging the secondary school leaving age will hurt private school owners because it restricts their ability to support academically advanced students,” Ogundele said.

Ogundele also warned that the policy might lead to unintended consequences, such as parents falsifying their children’s birthdates to meet the age requirement. He expressed concern that students from poorer backgrounds would be most affected, as they may not have the option to take international exams like IGCSE or SAT, which do not have the same age restrictions.

However, not all voices were against the policy. Rowland Nwanze, an educationist, supported the government’s move, arguing that many under-18 students are not mentally prepared for the rigors of these exams. “The reality is that most of these children’s mentality is not able to cope with some serious mental activities,” he said.

Education consultant Oyebola Ajiteru also welcomed the policy, suggesting that waiting until age 18 allows students to mature emotionally and physically, making them more responsible for their actions. “If a child finishes high school at 14 or 15 years, parents should help the child build his or her self-being before taking on higher academic challenges,” Ajiteru advised.