National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Federal Ministry of Education has stated that it has not prohibited students under the age of 18 from sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, made this clarification in Abuja on Friday while addressing journalists at an event to mark the 2024 International Literacy Day.
According to Sununu, there has been a widespread misinterpretation of the earlier statements made by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
“It is disappointing to see how the public has misconstrued the Minister’s comments,” said Sununu.
“The Minister was referring to the standard practice of an 18-year-old entry age into tertiary institutions as outlined in the 6:3:3:4 education system.”
Sununu further explained, “We are considering this as a work-in-progress.
Both the National Assembly and the Ministry are actively working on this matter.
However, it is shocking to hear that some universities in Nigeria are admitting children as young as 10, 11, or 12 years. This is entirely unacceptable.”
He acknowledged that there might be exceptions for exceptionally talented children but emphasized that “there must be a rule.”
He added, “The ministry is developing guidelines to identify truly gifted children so that parents will not feel their children are being denied opportunities.”
He reassured the public, saying, “No one said that children under 18 would be barred from taking WAEC, NECO, or any other examinations.
This is a complete misrepresentation of our position.
During the event, Sununu highlighted the vital role of literacy in promoting peace, understanding, and socio-economic development.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing literacy challenges through the “Education for Renewed Hope” roadmap for 2024-2027.
“We must focus on the role of a learner’s first language in literacy development to foster mutual understanding and peace,” he noted, while emphasizing the importance of teaching in local languages and providing follow-up rea
