_Federal Government Clarifies Position on Under 18-Year-Olds Taking WAEC, NECO Exams_

 

In a bid to address the ongoing controversy surrounding the age limit for writing the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams, the Federal Ministry of Education has come out to clarify its position on the matter.

According to the Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, the federal government has not stopped students under 18 years old from writing the aforementioned exams. This statement was made in Abuja on Friday while fielding questions from journalists at an event to mark the 2024 International Literacy Day (ILD).

Sununu claimed that a statement by the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, was misinterpreted, leading to the confusion. He explained that the minister was actually speaking about the 18-year entry age into tertiary institutions, as practiced in the 6:3:3:4 system of education.

The minister emphasized that there are exceptions for talented students who have the IQ of an adult at a young age, but these cases are rare. He noted that the ministry is working on developing guidelines to identify talented children and ensure that parents do not feel their children's chances are being blocked.

Sununu reiterated that nobody said no child will write WAEC, NECO, or any other examination unless at age 18, calling the misconception a misrepresentation of what was said. He acknowledged that the National Assembly is working on the issue and that the ministry is also working to address it.

The clarification comes after a statement by the Minister of Education sparked controversy, with many interpreting it to mean that students under 18 would no longer be allowed to write the exams. The minister's statement was met with widespread criticism, with many arguing that it would unfairly disadvantage talented young students.

Speaking on International Literacy Day, Sununu underscored the critical role of literacy in fostering mutual understanding, peace, and socio-economic development. He reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to addressing literacy challenges through the Education for Renewed Hope roadmap (2024-2027).

He highlighted youth and adult literacy as key components while emphasizing the importance of using learners' mother tongues as a medium of instruction. Sununu also emphasized the need for well-trained educators who should be equipped to teach in local languages, as well as the development of follow-up reading materials in these languages.

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education (NMEC), Simon Akpama, reaffirmed the commission's dedication to integrating multilingual education into schools' literacy programs. He noted that multilingual education is not just a necessity but a tool for fostering peace and cultural respect.

Meanwhile, UNESCO's Country Representative, Diallo Abdourahamane, re-echoed that literacy remained a fundamental human right, hence the need to create a just, peaceful, and sustainable society. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ILD, which is celebrated annually on Sept. 8, aims to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities, and societies.

The theme for this year's celebration is "Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace." The event was attended by various stakeholders in the education sector, including government officials, educators, and civil society organizations.

In related news, the federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing literacy challenges through the Education for Renewed Hope roadmap (2024-2027). The government emphasized the critical role of literacy in fostering mutual understanding, peace, and socio-economic development.

The government's efforts to address literacy challenges are commendable, and it is hoped that the clarification on the age limit for writing WASSCE and NECO exams will bring an end to the controversy. However, it is essential to ensure that talented young students are not unfairly disadvantaged and that their chances are not blocked.

As the country celebrates International Literacy Day, it is crucial to remember the importance of literacy in creating a just, peaceful, and sustainable society. The federal government's commitment to addressing literacy challenges is a step in the right direction,