The Federal Government’s decision to ban under-18 candidates from sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and the National Examination Council has gained traction with the the Parent-Teachers’ Association of Nigeria.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, had announced that candidates below 18 years will no longer be allowed to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and the Senior School Certificate Examination.
He also ruled out the admission of candidates less than 18 years of age into tertiary institutions.
The development divided opinions, with some for and some against.
Going by the National President of PTA, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, it sits well with the body.
“I expressed my support for the education policy. The minister is not introducing a new policy; it has always been part of the education system. When students sit for WASSCE or NECO at 18 years old, they have reached an age of maturity. Such exams are not for immature students or under 18. You shouldn’t expect underage students in universities or sitting WASSCE and NECO. That’s the standard we followed; even my children did not enter university before turning 18.
“If they are old enough, they will be fully prepared and mature enough to face the challenges that come with attending a higher institution. This is the correct approach; students should take their exams at 18,” Danjuma told Punchng.
