- The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education has indicated that the Federal Government's minimum age requirement for Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) candidates may become a permanent policy
- The policy, which stipulated a minimum age of 18 for Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) candidates starting in 2025, aims to align educational development with cognitive and physical maturity
- House Committee raised concerns about students currently in senior secondary classes and called for a structured transition plan to avoid disruptions
The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education has indicated that the Federal Government's recent move to set a minimum age requirement for candidates taking the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination is likely to be a permanent policy.
Mark Useni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, detailed on Thursday, September 5 why the Federal Government might be unlikely to alter its decision.
He said, “The Committees on Basic Education and Examination Boards took this matter to the leadership of the House of Representatives. The Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, promptly appointed the House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvere, to moderate a meeting between the two committees and the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman.
Education officials review 18-year age policy with examination bodies
“The meeting was held on Wednesday, September 4, and the minister attended together with the Minister of State for Education, Dr Tanko Sununu, as well as the heads of basic education examination bodies.”
Useni, who serves as the All Progressives Congress representative for the Takum/Donga/Ussa Federal Constituency in Taraba State further said, “The minister explained that the policy that relates to the 18 years age requirement for entry into the university is a policy that was developed before the adoption of the 6-3-3-4 system. He explained that the policy also has a root in the Universal Basic Education Act.
Minister cites similar policies in military, paramilitary, voting age
Recall that the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, broke the news which led to vigorous debate among parents and those involved in education in July that starting in 2025, candidates below the age of 18 will not be allowed to sit for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
Speaking further, Useni said, “Prof Tahir said the policy is not peculiar to Nigeria, while also making reference to military and paramilitary institutions which place the entry age at 18 years. He also said that the voting age in Nigeria is pegged at 18 years.”
Committee criticises early university admissions
He criticised the practice of allowing children younger than 12 to pursue university admission, adding that, “While the policy is meant to ensure that children pursue their education alongside their cognitive and physical development and maturity, the Ministry of Education should develop a framework for proper transition into a full policy implementation.
“The Ministry of Education must ensure that students who are already progressing in the senior classes in secondary schools are not left stranded after completion of that level of education.
“We mandated the minister and his team to work out ways of handling the policy based on data available to the ministry and ensure that the policy does not jeopardise public interest,” Useni added.
“Misplaced priority”: Nigerians react as FG bans admission for under-18 candidates
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nigerians interpreted the government's ban on admitting candidates under 18 as another effort to frustrate citizens. In response to stakeholder protests, the Minister postponed the ban's enforcement to 2025. TheRadar compiled the reactions of people.