The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified the insinuations that it has barred candidates under the age of 18 years sitting intermediate examinations; the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, and National Examinations Council, NECO, exams.
This clarification, according to the Minister became necessary given the various interpretations given to statement by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman on the subject.
This was contained in a statement by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, in Abuja on Friday while addressing journalists.
Speaking at the 2024 International Literacy Day (ILD) celebration, Dr. Sununu expressed disappointment over the widespread public misinterpretation of remarks.
He emphasized that the Minister’s comments were in reference to the recommended age of entry into tertiary institutions. Which, he said is in line with the 6:3:3:4 system of education, rather than a restriction on sitting for WASSCE or NECO exams.
Sununu said, “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.”
The Minister explained that while there are rare cases of exceptionally gifted students, a standard guideline must be developed.
“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,” Dr. Sununu clarified.
The Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving literacy levels through the Education for Renewed Hope roadmap (2024-2027). He said this would focus on youth and adult literacy.
Sanunu also stressed the importance of using mother tongues as a medium of instruction in fostering understanding and peace.
He said, “We must focus on the role of a learner’s first language in becoming literate, which will foster mutual understanding and peace.”
source: Nigerian Tribune
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