The Federal Government’s decision to set the minimum age for candidates sitting for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE) at 18 years old appears to be gaining traction, as the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education has expressed support for the policy.
This comes after the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced in July that starting from 2025, students below 18 years old would no longer be eligible to take the exam, which is a key requirement for admission into higher institutions.
The policy has sparked a heated debate among parents, educators, and other stakeholders in the education sector. Critics argue that it could hinder the progress of younger, academically gifted students who are ready to move on to higher education but have not yet reached the age of 18.
On the other hand, supporters of the policy believe that it will ensure that students are more mature, both academically and socially, before entering tertiary institutions.
Mark Useni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, explained the rationale behind the policy and why it might not be reversed.
He noted that the issue had been discussed with the leadership of the House, and a meeting was held between the relevant committees and the Minister of Education to address concerns.
During the meeting, Prof. Mamman clarified that the age requirement policy predates the adoption of Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 educational system and is rooted in the Universal Basic Education Act.
He pointed out that the policy aligns with practices in other countries and in Nigerian military and paramilitary institutions, where the minimum entry age is also set at 18. Additionally, he referenced the fact that the legal voting age in Nigeria is 18 years old.
Useni expressed concern over the growing trend of children as young as 12 years old seeking university admission, stressing that the policy is designed to ensure that students’ education progresses in tandem with their cognitive and physical development.
However, he emphasized that the Ministry of Education should establish a clear framework for the policy’s implementation to avoid negatively impacting students who are already in senior secondary school.
The House committee has mandated the Ministry of Education to consider available data and work out strategies to implement the policy without jeopardizing public interest or leaving current students stranded.