WASSCE: APC LEADER, NAPTAN EXCO OPPOSE MAMMAN’S PROPOSED BAN ON UNDER-18s
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A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has enjoined President Bola Tinubu to stop the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, from banning students below the age of 18 from taking the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, SSCE.
Mumuni, in a statement sent to Vanguard newspaper yesterday, said that the decision to ban students below 18 years from taking the examinations will have negative consequences.
This is just as the national leadership of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, NAPTAN, opined that the step was retrogressive in nature.
Recall that Mamman, had earlier said that candidates must be 18 years old before they are admitted into tertiary institutions.
But Mumuni in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Rasheed Abubakar, advised Tinubu to stop Mamman from implementing such policy.
He maintained that such policy when implemented would have many negative impacts on the students and the society in general.
The APC chieftain further said that such policy if allowed to work would reduce access to education opportunities and increase the rate of school dropouts, which he argued would create more problems in the society.
He said: “I am appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop the Minister from implementing such obnoxious policy. It will cause more harms than the expected results.
“This policy will reduce access to educational opportunities. Restricting students under 18 from participating in WASSCE could hinder their progression in the education system, delaying their transition to higher education or vocational training.
“It will also increase school dropout rates. Young students who feel they are unable to take the examinations may lose motivation to continue their education, leading to increased dropout rates.
“Also, the policy will lead to delayed career aspirations. Students may face an extended period before they can enter tertiary education or vocational training, affecting their career prospects and long-term earning potential.’
“If only older students are allowed to take the exams, there could be a bottleneck effect where older candidates face increased competition, making it harder to secure places in higher education.
“The policy when implemented will also have some psychological and Social effects on the students. The pressure of not being able to sit for exams can lead to feelings of inadequacy or stress among students, especially those who are academically inclined.
“Students in this age group may feel isolated from their peers who are able to take and pass the exams, impacting their social interactions and self-esteem. By restricting access to examinations, the government may inadvertently stifle the growth of a skilled workforce, ultimately affecting Nigeria’s economy in the long term.
“Overall, government policies that prevent students under the age of 18 from writing the WASSCE can have far-reaching negative effects on individuals and society.”
Similarly, NAPTAN, in a statement by the National President, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, described the policy as misguided and unpopular.
“It’s misguided and detrimental to the academic growth of our children. This policy denies opportunity, our young students are deprived of showcasing their academic prowess and potentially earning better grades.
“It contradicts international standards. Many countries allow students to take exams earlier, preparing them for global competitions. For instance, Ruth Lawrence entered University at the age of 10 and earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics at 18. Michael Kearney graduated from High School at 6 and earned a Degree in Anthropology at 10.Kim Ung-yong entered University at 4 and earned a Ph.D. in Physics at 15.
“This unpopular decision negatively impacts Psychology. This policy may lead to low self-esteem and diminished motivation among affected students. It inconsistently prioritizes education contradicting the government’s emphasis on early education and academic excellence.
It ignores exceptional cases: Some students are exceptionally gifted and ready for advanced challenges. Barring them from exams wastes their potential. It fosters inequality: This policy disproportionately affects students who mature faster academically, creating an unfair environment.
It hinders national progress: By restricting young students, we will miss out on potential innovators and leaders who could contribute to our nation’s growth.
“We therefore urge the government to reconsider this decision and focus on supporting students’ academic development, rather than imposing arbitrary restrictions.
Let us nurture our children’s talents and prepare them for global competitiveness.”
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