Is Age Limit for WAEC/NECO a Real Concern? By Fatimat Ibrahim Abedoh
POLITICS DIGEST- Recently, the announcement by Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Prof. Tahiru Mamman, about enforcing an age limit of 18 years for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examinations Council (NECO) sparked heated debates. However, Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, clarified that the statement was misinterpreted. He explained that the age limit applies to university entry, not exams, and added that this policy has been in existence for years, following Nigeria’s National Policy on Education.
The policy outlines that a child should start primary school at six, spend six years there, three years in junior secondary, and another three in senior secondary, culminating in the child being 18 by the time they leave school. While the reasoning seems sound on paper, the reality is that many students complete their education earlier or later due to varying academic progress, making a blanket age requirement unpractical.
*The Modern Educational Landscape*
One critical point being overlooked is that the world has evolved significantly. With the rise of digital learning, children now grasp concepts faster and can advance more quickly. Forcing them to wait until they turn 18 before sitting for WAEC or NECO might hinder their development and stifle their enthusiasm for learning. Educational readiness, not age, should determine when a student can take critical exams or enter higher institutions.
Rather than focusing on age restrictions, we should be asking ourselves more pressing questions about the quality of education, infrastructure, and access to schools. The dire state of education in Nigeria, especially the alarming number of out-of-school children, demands greater attention.
*Out-of-School Children Crisis*
According to UNICEF, Nigeria holds the unfortunate title of having the highest number of out-of-school children globally. Currently, 10.2 million primary school-age children are not in school, along with another 8.1 million at the junior secondary level. This is a staggering number that raises grave concerns about the country’s future.
If the Federal Government is to focus on any policy, it should be one that addresses this enormous gap, rather than an arbitrary age restriction for exams. The issue at hand is much larger than exam eligibility—it’s about getting children into schools and providing them with the resources and opportunities to learn and thrive.
*Key Challenges in Nigeria’s Education System*
*1. Inadequate Funding*
Despite the United Nations’ recommendation that 26% of a country’s budget should be allocated to education, Nigeria has consistently failed to meet this target. The result is a lack of adequate infrastructure, outdated facilities, and insufficient learning materials in many government schools.
*2. Outdated Curriculum*
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Nigeria’s educational curriculum does not match the country’s evolving needs or those of the global economy. There is a growing disconnect between the skills students acquire and what is required by employers, contributing to the high unemployment rate among graduates. It’s crucial that our curriculum is revised to emphasize modern, in-demand skills.
*3. Low Teacher Quality and Motivation*
Nigeria’s teachers are often demoralized, lacking incentives and opportunities for professional growth. Continuous training, workshops, and skill-building seminars could improve teacher performance and ensure they are equipped to educate effectively in a fast-changing world.
*4. The High Cost of Education*
Education has become a luxury that many Nigerian families can’t afford. Many children remain out of school due to exorbitant fees, and a significant number of government schools are either dilapidated or understaffed.
*The Way Forward: Addressing the Real Issues*
*1. Funding and Infrastructure*
There is an urgent need for the government to allocate sufficient resources to education, focusing on building and maintaining functional schools with the necessary infrastructure to support quality learning environments.
*2. Continuous Professional Development for Teachers*
Improving the quality of teaching through ongoing professional development will make teachers more effective and motivated. Workshops, conferences, and training programs will help them stay updated on best practices and emerging trends in education.
*3. Curriculum Reform*
Nigeria must overhaul its curriculum to meet international standards and equip students with practical, employable skills. This means focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects while also integrating soft skills like critical thinking and problem-solving.
*4. Reviving the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)*
The PTA has become virtually obsolete in many Nigerian schools, but its revival could strengthen the collaboration between parents and teachers. A functional PTA can play a crucial role in decision-making processes, ensuring that the interests of students are prioritized.
*5. Changing the Narrative Around Education*
There is a growing belief among young Nigerians that education is solely about making money. This narrow view must be challenged. Education should be framed as a means of personal and national development, not just a path to financial success. We need to instill a mindset that values learning as a tool for progress, innovation, and societal betterment.
Conclusion
While the debate over age limits for WAEC and NECO exams is important, it is not the primary issue facing Nigeria’s education system. Our focus should be on addressing the real problems—out-of-school children, insufficient funding, outdated curricula, and unmotivated teachers. These are the challenges that demand immediate attention. A shift in priorities is needed to ensure every Nigerian child has access to quality education, regardless of their age. Only then can we hope to build a stronger, more educated, and prosperous nation.
