The recent announcement by Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Nigerian Minister of Education, that only 18-year-olds and above will be allowed to write WAEC/NECO and JAMB and subsequently seek admission into higher institutions has generated so much furore. The policy, which is not new in Nigeria’s educational system, is argued to be limiting and needs a review. The increasing number of private schools at all levels has introduced healthy competition into the education sector and challenging
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Oladipo Olatilewa
September 6, 2024 at 1:43 pmThe policy is not well thought and it will have a sort of negative effect on the educational system in/of Nigeria. With the incessant strike and unfavorable educational system in Nigeria, the policy, to me is DOA. While the world is moving at accelerated/light speed, we are still thinking of sitting on the shell of a snail.
Ogaga Idoghor
September 6, 2024 at 1:58 pmAdeolu, I appreciate your sound arguments and call for a more holistic approach within the context of our indigenous peculiarities, instead of the copy-and-paste approach that seems to be the case with this policy on age limit for admission into tertiary institutions. Great article 👍
Adéníyì
September 6, 2024 at 2:23 pmThis is a good take.
I wish they let us know how they came about this stupid decision which only seeks to slow us down further. The bad impact will be borne by the south of the country alone. What problem are they trying to solve? Finishing secondary school at an early age has rather been more a blessing. We do not have any problem occasioned by finishing secondary school early.
I entered the medical school at 17 and was feeling as if I’ve achieved something spectacular until I found out that some of the best people in my class were just turning 16. The mean age of the youngest 80% of my class was less than 17. I could remember a boy I usually meet in the reading room; he was 15 in electrical electronics engineering. He made me feel ashamed of the years I lost before entering the university. The time of those who are ready should not be wasted because of those who are not.
Victor Ekpe
September 7, 2024 at 12:37 pmLimiting the writing of WAEC to 18 year and above in a country where Northern politicians marry girls who are less than 18 is not only shocking but crazy.