**By Adesina Wahab, Henry Umoru, John Alechenu, Gabriel Ewepu, Gift Chipa-Odekina, Luminous Jannamike & Elizabeth Osayande**
**LAGOS:** The National Assembly has intervened in the heated debate over the Federal Government’s recent proposal to set the age limit for taking the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate (WASSCE) examination at 18 years.
**Federal Government’s Plan**
On Sunday, Minister of Education Professor Tahir Mamman announced that starting next year, students must be 18 to sit for the WASSCE. This decision has been met with strong opposition from various quarters, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and numerous civil society organizations (CSOs), who have criticized it as outdated and oppressive. They have called for the policy to be put on hold and for a meeting of education sector stakeholders to address the issue.
**Senate’s Response**
The Senate has stated that it will review the policy through a public hearing when it comes before the chamber. Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, emphasized that the Senate will consider public opinion on any policy submitted for legislative review, including the proposed age limit.
**House of Representatives’ Position**
The House of Representatives has not yet taken a stance on the matter, as members have not been formally briefed. Akin Rotimi, the House spokesman, noted that the issue will be addressed once the House resumes and the policy is presented.
**Reactions from Key Figures and Organizations**
– **Atiku Abubakar:** Former Vice President Atiku condemned the policy as “absurd” and a threat to academic freedom. In a Facebook post, he argued that the policy contradicts the Nigerian constitution and international educational standards, which generally allow for flexibility regarding the age of students entering higher education.
– **Mrs. Yinka Ogunde (CPE):** Ogunde criticized the policy for its abrupt implementation and lack of stakeholder consultation. She argued that such significant changes should be gradual and considered from the foundational level of primary education.
– **Abiodun Baiyewu (Global Rights Nigeria):** Baiyewu urged the government to review the policy, highlighting that many advanced countries have lower age thresholds for educational advancement. He pointed out that Nigeria already faces significant educational challenges, including high numbers of out-of-school children, and this policy could exacerbate these issues.
– **Rev. David Ugolor (ANEEJ):** Ugolor labeled the policy as retrogressive and indicative of a disconnect between policymakers and the realities faced by students in Nigeria. He questioned the policy’s alignment with global best practices and criticized its potential negative impact on the country’s educational progress.
– **Hassan Taiwo Soweto (ERC):** Soweto called for an immediate suspension of the policy, citing the lack of consultation and its potential adverse effects on students who have already planned their educational paths based on existing regulations.
– **Dr. Stella Aririguzuh:** Aririguzuh warned that the policy could lead to an increase in capital flight as parents may seek educational opportunities abroad for their children. She also noted that the policy might dampen students’ motivation to excel at an early age.
– **CHRICED and Arewa Youth Assembly:** Both organizations criticized the policy as unconstitutional and detrimental to the intellectual growth of young students. They argued that such policies hinder rather than help educational development and may lead to increased forgery and age falsification.
In conclusion, the proposed age limit for WASSCE has sparked a significant debate, with many calling for a more inclusive and consultative approach to educational policy-making. The National Assembly’s involvement in reviewing the policy through public hearings will be crucial in determining its future.
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