No Restrictions on Students Under Age of 18 from Participating in WASSCE, NECO -Minister Clarifies

The Honorable Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, has clarified that the Federal Ministry of Education has not imposed any restrictions on students under the age of 18 from participating in the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.

Dr. Sununu made this clarification during a press conference held on Friday to commemorate the 2024 International Literacy Day (ILD). He expressed his disappointment over the public’s misinterpretation of the recent statements made by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman.

Dr. Sununu emphasized that Professor Mamman was referring to the 18-year age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions, as stipulated in the 6:3:3:4 system of education. He reiterated that there are no changes to the eligibility criteria for WASSCE and NECO examinations.

“We have agreed that we are going to consider it as a work-in-progress. The National Assembly is working and we are also working.

“It was shocking to say that a university in this country gave admission to children at ages 10, 11 and 12 years. This is totally wrong.

“We are not saying that there are no exceptions, we know we can have talented students that have the IQ of an adult even at age 6 and 7, but these are very few.

“There must be a rule, and the ministry is looking at developing a guideline on how to identify a talented child, so that parents don’t say we are blocking their children’s chances.

“Nobody said no child will write WAEC, NECO or any other examination unless at age 18. This is a misconception and misrepresentation of what we have said,” he said.

On the occasion of International Literacy Day, Sununu emphasized the pivotal role of literacy in promoting mutual understanding, peace, and socioeconomic development.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to tackling literacy challenges through the Education for Renewed Hope roadmap (2024-2027).

Sununu underscored the significance of youth and adult literacy as crucial components, while emphasizing the importance of utilizing learners’ native languages as a medium of instruction.

“We must focus on the role of a learner’s first language in becoming literate, which will foster mutual understanding and peace,” he added.

The Importance of well-trained educators who can teach in local languages and the creation of follow-up reading materials in those languages were both emphasized by him.

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education (NMEC), Professor Simon Akpama, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to incorporating multilingual education into schools’ literacy programs.

“In an increasingly interconnected world, multilingual education is not just a necessity, it is a tool for fostering peace and cultural respect,” he said.

UNESCO’s Country Representative, Mr. Diallo Abdourahamane, emphasized that literacy is a fundamental human right and essential for creating a just, peaceful, and sustainable society.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Literacy Day (ILD), celebrated annually on September 8^th, aims to highlight the significance of literacy for individuals, communities, and societies.

This year’s theme, “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace,” underscores the importance of multilingual education in fostering understanding and peace.

 plan to stop under 18 students from writing WASSCE, NECO – Minister

The Honorable Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, has clarified that the Federal Ministry of Education has not imposed any restrictions on students under the age of 18 from participating in the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.

Dr. Sununu made this clarification during a press conference held on Friday to commemorate the 2024 International Literacy Day (ILD). He expressed his disappointment over the public’s misinterpretation of the recent statements made by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman.

Dr. Sununu emphasized that Professor Mamman was referring to the 18-year age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions, as stipulated in the 6:3:3:4 system of education. He reiterated that there are no changes to the eligibility criteria for WASSCE and NECO examinations.

“We have agreed that we are going to consider it as a work-in-progress. The National Assembly is working and we are also working.

“It was shocking to say that a university in this country gave admission to children at ages 10, 11 and 12 years. This is totally wrong.

“We are not saying that there are no exceptions, we know we can have talented students that have the IQ of an adult even at age 6 and 7, but these are very few.

“There must be a rule, and the ministry is looking at developing a guideline on how to identify a talented child, so that parents don’t say we are blocking their children’s chances.

“Nobody said no child will write WAEC, NECO or any other examination unless at age 18. This is a misconception and misrepresentation of what we have said,” he said.

On the occasion of International Literacy Day, Sununu emphasized the pivotal role of literacy in promoting mutual understanding, peace, and socioeconomic development.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to tackling literacy challenges through the Education for Renewed Hope roadmap (2024-2027).

Sununu underscored the significance of youth and adult literacy as crucial components, while emphasizing the importance of utilizing learners’ native languages as a medium of instruction.

“We must focus on the role of a learner’s first language in becoming literate, which will foster mutual understanding and peace,” he added.

The Importance of well-trained educators who can teach in local languages and the creation of follow-up reading materials in those languages were both emphasized by him.

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education (NMEC), Professor Simon Akpama, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to incorporating multilingual education into schools’ literacy programs.

“In an increasingly interconnected world, multilingual education is not just a necessity, it is a tool for fostering peace and cultural respect,” he said.

UNESCO’s Country Representative, Mr. Diallo Abdourahamane, emphasized that literacy is a fundamental human right and essential for creating a just, peaceful, and sustainable society.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Literacy Day (ILD), celebrated annually on September 8^th, aims to highlight the significance of literacy for individuals, communities, and societies.

This year’s theme, “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace,” underscores the importance of multilingual education in fostering understanding and peace.