KCOBA backs age limit for varsity students

The old boys of King’s College, under the aegis of the King’s College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA), yesterday pledged their support for the Federal Government’s policy on age restriction for university entrance.

Speaking at a press briefing to herald the 115th Founders’ Day Anniversary of King’s College, Lagos, the Alternate Chairman of the 2024 Kings Week Planning Committee, Mr. Wole Eperokun, said the restriction is necessary due to the exposure to technology and the pollution of the environment.

According to him, it is essential for children to grow up under their parents’ care, become mature, be mentally ready for the exposure of tertiary institutions, and be well-disciplined and well-grounded because of maturity and the ability to say no to certain things.

Eperokun said there are many cases of physical abuse and different forms of abuse of children at various levels.

“There’s even substance abuse, and then there’s also the economic situation of the country. The suffering that we are going through now agitates people and triggers different ideas and interests.

“And then the situation is not conducive for bringing up or rearing children. No, it’s just about educating the children within a disciplined environment. So the parental part is still essential; the time at home is still essential. Then, you graduate to the school, that is, the college,” he noted.

Supporting this view, the Principal of King’s College, Lagos, Mr. Ali A. Agada, called on parents to support the government policy, stating that there is nothing to gain by pushing children to go to school too early.

“Let them be emotionally and mentally mature and ready. Yes, it happens in other classes, but when it comes to us, it’s just like parents should take children to us, just like secondary schools where there are eight and nine-year-olds, and the children are in class, playing like babies. Some of them, unfortunately, will carry this behaviour over to university. At the age of 15 or 16, they go there. Yes, we agree that we have gifted children, but not everyone is gifted.

“So, that is where we have issues. I think every one of us should also convey the message to parents to allow their children to mature and be ready before sending them to school,” he added.

Regarding this year’s Kings Week, scheduled from September 16 to September 22, 2024, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Tonye Cole, stated that former Minister of Finance and Executive Director on the Board of the World Bank Group, Dr. Mansur Muhtar, will lead the discussion under the theme: “Achieving a Secure Nigeria by 2030.”

He said: “At a time when national security is at the forefront of Nigeria’s developmental challenges, the theme of this year’s Kings Week could not be more relevant.

“‘Achieving a Secure Nigeria by 2030’ reflects the urgency of addressing multifaceted security issues, from social and financial security to national, information, and energy security.

“These issues are critical to the nation’s sustainability and future growth, and the KCOBA is taking this opportunity to engage thought leaders, alumni, students, and the broader public in meaningful conversations on how to secure Nigeria’s future.”

He said that the 2024 Kings Week will feature a diverse array of events, both virtual and in-person, aimed at fostering dialogue, celebrating achievements, and strengthening the bonds within the King’s College Old Boys’ global community.