The National Assembly has intervened in the heated debate over the Federal Government's proposal to set an age limit of 18 years for students taking the West Africa Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The controversy began when the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, announced the plan on Sunday, sparking widespread criticism from various quarters.
Former Vice President Abubakar Atiku and several civil society organizations (CSOs) have condemned the policy as "archaic and draconian," urging the government to halt its implementation and convene a meeting with education stakeholders. Atiku described the policy as "an absurdity and a disincentive to scholarship," arguing that it belongs "in the Stone Ages."
The Executive Director of the Africa Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Rev David Ugolor, criticized the policy as "retrogressive," pointing out that many policymakers have their children studying abroad and are out of touch with the realities faced by students in Nigeria. He stated, "This is another retrogressive policy that will retard the progress of the country."
Concerns were also raised about the potential for increased forgery and age falsification. Mohammed Danlami, Coordinator of Arewa Youth Assembly, warned that the policy might lead to such practices, undermining its intended purpose.
He argued, "Every child has unique potential and is endowed differently. Insisting that 18 years is the minimum age for WASSCE will not work; it is a flawed idea because Nigerians are unlikely to comply."
Dr. Stella Aririguzuh, Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Covenant University, highlighted the economic implications, stating that more parents might send their children abroad for education, leading to capital flight. She noted, "More parents will send their children to schools outside Nigeria, further depleting our resources."
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) and the Arewa Youth Assembly also faulted the policy, describing it as "absurd and unconstitutional." Dr. Zikirullahi Ibrahim, Executive Director of CHRICED, emphasized that education is a concurrent responsibility of local governments, states, and the Federal Government, making the policy extra-constitutional.
Hassan Taiwo Soweto, National Coordinator of the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), called for the immediate suspension of the policy, citing the lack of consultation and its negative implications for young people who have already applied for tertiary education.
He stated, "We ask for the immediate suspension of this policy, pending democratic consultation by stakeholders in the education sector."
The Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, chaired by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, assured that the Senate would consider public views on the policy through public hearings. Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, mentioned that the Green Chamber has yet to take a position on the matter.
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