CurrentReport Blog The Federal Government has defended its recent policy barring students under 18 from taking the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), citing long-standing educational laws and the need for a structured learning process.
In July, the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, announced that starting from 2025, candidates below the age of 18 will not be permitted to sit for the SSCE. The decision has sparked widespread controversy, with many parents and stakeholders criticizing the move as restrictive and unfair.
Addressing the concerns during an Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, Mamman clarified that the decision is based on existing laws, including the Universal Basic Education Act and the Minimum Standards Policy Act, both established in 1993. These laws stipulate age requirements for each level of education, aiming to ensure a balanced and effective learning journey for students.
“Our laws prescribe that a child should enter school at six years old, complete six years of primary education, followed by three years of junior secondary, and three years of senior secondary education,” Mamman explained. “However, many parents have been hurrying their children, enrolling them in school too early and sometimes skipping essential education levels.”
Mamman emphasized that this accelerated educational path can be detrimental to students, as they often complete school too young to handle the academic and emotional demands of the SSCE. The new policy aims to ensure that students are adequately prepared to either pursue higher education or acquire employable skills upon completing secondary school.
“Rushing children through school disrupts their learning process and affects their overall development,” Mamman stated. “The curriculum we have introduced requires time for students to grow both academically and skillfully. This policy is designed to ensure that by the time students graduate from senior secondary school, they will either be ready for tertiary education or equipped with employable skills.”
The Minister’s explanation suggests that the policy is intended to promote a more robust and well-rounded education system, allowing students to fully develop their potential. He believes that adhering to these educational standards will benefit the country in the long run by producing more capable and skilled graduates.
Despite the government’s justification, the policy has faced strong opposition from parents and educators who argue that it could limit opportunities for academically gifted students. They also question the practicality of enforcing an age limit in a country where the education system faces numerous challenges, including inconsistent school entry ages and varying levels of educational access.
As the debate continues, many are calling for a review of the policy to ensure that it serves the best interests of students while maintaining educational standards. The government, on its part, remains firm in its stance, urging parents to adhere to the guidelines to ensure their children receive a comprehensive and effective education.
