The Federal Ministry of Education has addressed recent confusion regarding age restrictions for students taking the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. Yusuf Sununu, Minister of State for Education, clarified that there is no ban on under-18s taking these exams.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja during the 2024 International Literacy Day event, Sununu explained that a previous statement by Education Minister Tahir Mamman had been misinterpreted. He stated, “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.”
Sununu clarified that the ministry’s concern is actually about the entry age for tertiary institutions. He expressed shock at some universities admitting extremely young students, saying, “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.”
The minister acknowledged that exceptions exist for exceptionally gifted students but emphasized the need for guidelines to identify such talents. He stated, “We are 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.”
Regarding International Literacy Day, Sununu highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing literacy challenges through the Education for Renewed Hope roadmap (2024-2027). He emphasized the importance of multilingual education and using learners’ mother tongues as a medium of instruction.
Simon Akpama, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education (NMEC), reinforced this commitment to multilingual education in literacy programs.
UNESCO Country Representative Diallo Abdourahamane stressed that literacy remains a fundamental human right, essential for creating a just, peaceful, and sustainable society.
