The Federal Government of Nigeria has adduced reasons for its review of the entry age in the nation’s higher institutions.
The FG stated yesterday, Monday, April 22, that it was considering a review of entry age into tertiary institutions in the country. It hinted that it might peg it at 18 years for those aspiring to enter into the higher institutions.
Justifying the age review, the FG said it had observed that parents were pushing their children and wards too far. It stated that children who were not matured, mentally and physically, were pushed to the university environment.
This was stated by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, while speaking to journalist in Abuja, the nation’s Capital.
Mammam told journalists after monitoring the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), in Abuja, that the policy on entry age into tertiary institutions will be reviewed as soon as possible.
The Minister, however, said the 18-year benchmark is in line with the 6-3-3-4 system of education.
“The minimum age of entry into the university is 18. But we have seen students who are 15, 16 years going in for the entrance examination.
“Parents should be encouraged not to push there wards too much. Mostly, it is the pressure of parents that is causing this.
“We are going to look at this development. Because the candidates are too young to understand what the whole university education is all about.
“This is the period when children migrate from controlled to uncontrolled environment. When they are in charge of their own affairs.
“But, if they are too young, they won’t be able to manage properly. I think that is part of what we are seeing in the Universities today,” he said.
On skill acquisition for those who will not be able to gain admissions into tertiary institutions, Mamman said the ministry is taking skills to pupils from primary school.
“In overall, it is 20 per cent that can be admitted into the University, Polytechnic and Colleges of Education system.
“So, where will the 80 per cent go to? That is why the issue of skills acquisition is very important. Any student who is unable to proceed to tertiary institutions should be able to have a meaningful life after primary and secondary school’s education. And the only solution to this, is skill acquisition.”
However, many stakeholders in the education sector have continued to react to the Minister’s statement.
One of such is the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB. Speaking through its spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, said 18 years is in line with the 6-3-3-4 education system.
But the feeling was different with the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN). The association angrily reacted to the Minister’s proposal. It maintained that it would create confusion and problem for parents.
Speaking through its National Deputy President, Chief Adeola Ogunbanjo, the association asked Government to leave the age at 16.
Ogunbanjo who spoke to the press said Government should leave the admission at 16 as obtained in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. He also said that the 16 years was what is obtainable at the University of Lagos and other public universities in the country.
“The Minister should understand that parents would not accept this proposal. It would create problem for the system and they want to cause another problem.’’
The National Deputy President asked what the fate would be for the over two million students, who sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) every year and the young talented students at 16 in SS3.
“Does it mean they will stay at home or roam the street for one year,” he queried
Ogunbanjo, however, advised the Minister to throw open the proposal to stakeholders to discuss and wait for the outcome.
In a related reaction, the Lagos Zonal Coordinator of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Adelaja Odukoya expressed disappointment. He said, “If there is a prayer that Nigerians of all religious persuasions need to offer fervently, it is that God should save this nation from the “dummy governing class” that manages its affairs.
According to him, the idea of raising the entry age into university to 18 years is characteristic of the Nigerian governing elite. Harvesting and super-imposing foreign ideas without interrogation of the “why and how” before uncritically copying them.
“Why it may be argued that the average age of entering university in USA, for instance, is 18 years. Does it not stand to reason that this is because they run a difference educational system? Where students go to college for Advanced level before entering the university,’’ he stated.
Prof. Odukoya explained that the policy was targeted at the poor students whose parents do not have the money to sponsor them abroad. Where they can enter the university before their 18th birthday.
“Rather than waste precious time on ludicrous ideas like this, government should concentrate its energies and resources on fixing education in the country. By adequately funding the sector and making it the bedrock of national transformation. Pay all outstanding salaries of academics in the universities. And settle the over four years promotion arrears and sign the renegotiated agreement with ASUU,’’ he said.
In his Reaction, President of the Association for Educational Development (AFED), Mr. Emmanuel Oji, said the question of raising the minimum age is complex. He stated that it requires careful consideration of a range of factors. These factors, he said, include student readiness and the availability of alternative education pathways. He also mentioned the potential impact on a student’s educational and career opportunities.
Oji said there were arguments for raising the minimum age for university admission. This, he said, could potentially ensure that students are more emotionally and intellectually mature. And better prepared for the rigours of higher education.
“On the other hand,” he said, “there are arguments for maintaining the lower age limit. As it allows students to pursue higher education at a younger age. And potentially giving them more time to develop their skills and knowledge.
“If the minimum age for university admission is raised to 18, then 16-year-old students who are ready for higher education may need to pursue alternative pathways. Such as vocational education or gap years, until they are eligible for university admission,” he stated.
source: Sunnewonline
