The Federal Government’s decision to peg the minimum age for candidates sitting for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination at 18 is likely to stand, according to the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education.
This decision, which takes effect from 2025, was initially announced by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, in July. Under the new policy, students below 18 will not be permitted to sit for the SSSCE, which is required for entry into higher education institutions in Nigeria.
According to The PUNCH, the Chairman of the Committee on Basic Education, Mark Useni, stated that the government is unlikely to reverse the decision. According to Useni, a meeting was held on September 4 with education stakeholders, including the Minister of Education, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, and leaders of examination boards.
The meeting was convened by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and moderated by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.
Useni explained that Prof. Mamman provided clarity on the policy, emphasizing that it aligns with global standards. “The Minister explained that the 18-year age requirement has been in place since before the adoption of the 6-3-3-4 system. He also linked it to the Universal Basic Education Act,” Useni said.
The education minister further highlighted that the age limit is not unique to Nigeria, pointing out that military and paramilitary institutions in the country also have similar age restrictions. “The policy ensures students’ education progresses in line with their cognitive and physical development,” Mamman added.
Critics of the policy have argued that it could negatively impact younger students who complete secondary education before the age of 18. However, Useni stated that the Ministry of Education has been tasked with developing a framework to manage the transition, ensuring that students already in senior secondary school are not adversely affected.
“We have mandated the minister and his team to use available data to work out a plan that addresses public concerns, while ensuring the policy doesn’t leave students stranded,” Useni noted.
The policy has sparked debates among parents and education stakeholders, but the government remains firm in its stance that the age limit is necessary for the proper development of students.
