The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, has staunchly defended the recent decision by the current administration to prevent students under 18 years old from taking the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). During an Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, Mamman stated that this policy aligns with Nigeria’s laws and educational policies.
He emphasised that the prohibition is not a new initiative; President Bola Tinubu’s administration is merely enforcing existing laws. Mamman highlighted that starting from 2025, candidates under the age of 18 will be barred from sitting for the SSCE, asserting that this policy will ultimately benefit Nigerian students.
Mamman expressed concern that many parents are rushing their children through the education system. He explained, “Our laws, including the Universal Basic Education Act and the Minimum Standards Policy Act established in 1993, prescribe specific age limits and provisions for every level of education.
A child is expected to enter school at the age of six. However, many parents have been in a hurry, getting their children into school at age four, skipping levels at primary and secondary schools, which results in them finishing too early.”
He further clarified that the curriculum changes implemented require students to adhere to the age limits set by these acts. “With the type of curriculum that we have introduced, we need students to be at the prescribed ages,” Mamman stated.
Additionally, the Minister underscored that the laws were established long before the Tinubu administration, highlighting that the current government is simply revitalising these policies to enhance the education system. He noted, “These acts were not enacted during this government’s time; they were established in 1993.
The 6-3-3-4 education system came into being around 1982. This policy is quite old, and all the Ministry is doing is ensuring that students can stay in school longer to acquire knowledge and skills.”
Mamman concluded that these policies will help students gain valuable skills that enable them to be employed or self-employed after graduation, even if they do not pursue higher education.
