No age limit for WASSCE, NECO exams yet — Education Ministry

The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that the ministry has not stopped students who are not yet 18 years old from writing the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.

The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, made the clarification in Abuja on Friday while fielding questions from journalists at an event to mark the 2024 International Literacy Day.

Sununu said that the public’s misconception and misinterpretation of remarks made by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, was highly disappointing.

He explained that the minister was discussing the 18-year entry age into tertiary institutions, as practised in the 6:3:3:4 system of education.

“We have agreed that we are going to consider it as a work-in-progress. The National Assembly is working, and we are also working.

“It was shocking to hear that a university in this country admitted children at ages 10, 11, and 12 years. This is totally wrong.

“We are not saying there are no exceptions. We know there can be talented students with the IQ of an adult even at ages 6 and 7, but these are very few.

“There must be a rule, and the ministry is looking at developing a guideline on how to identify a talented child so that parents do not say we are blocking their children’s chances.

“Nobody said no child will write WAEC, NECO, or any other examination unless they are 18. This is a misconception and misrepresentation of what we have said,” he said.

Speaking on International Literacy Day, Sununu underscored the critical role of literacy in fostering mutual understanding, peace, and socio-economic development.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing literacy challenges through the Education for Renewed Hope roadmap (2024-2027).

He highlighted youth and adult literacy as key components while emphasizing the importance of using learners’ mother tongues as a medium of instruction.

“We must focus on the role of a learner’s first language in becoming literate, which will foster mutual understanding and peace,” he added.

He also emphasized the need for well-trained educators who should be equipped to teach in local languages, as well as the development of follow-up reading materials in these languages.

On his part, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education, Prof. Simon Akpama, reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to integrating multilingual education into schools’ literacy programs.

“In an increasingly interconnected world, multilingual education is not just a necessity; it is a tool for fostering peace and cultural respect,” he said.

Meanwhile, UNESCO’s Country Representative, Mr. Diallo Abdourahamane, reiterated that literacy remains a fundamental human right, hence the need to create a just, peaceful, and sustainable society.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that International Literacy Day, celebrated annually on September 8, aims to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities, and societies.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”