Recently, Professor Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, stated that anyone applying to get admission to the university from next year would have to be 18 years of age. That indicates that the Federal Government has set an age limit of 18 years for candidates to sit for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and to write the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examinations Council (NECO). This is not a new policy; it has been there for a long time. The minister argued that the age limit is necessary to ensure that students complete the required number of years of schooling before taking the examinations.
With that step, there are many reactions; some are in support of what the minister said, while some criticised the policy. However, from my own perspective, the decision is short-sighted and it will only lead to more problems. What about those who start school early or are gifted and ready for the exams before the age of 18? Shouldn’t the government allow them to realise their full potential? Meanwhile, a girl below the age of 18 is allowed to marry, in the same country where less than 18-year-olds are not eligible to write WASSCE and NECO!
Instead of imposing age restrictions, the government should focus on improving education quality and accessibility for all.
Sunday Ogunkuade, 08036142877
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