By Esther Ijeh
The federal government has disclosed plans to create guidelines that will handle the 18 year age limit entry into the Universities. The Government also announced that the 18 year age limit is not for those writing WAEC or any other Ordinary Level Examination.
At the 68th National Council Meeting in Abuja and the theme is, Innovation, Digital Technology and Entrepreneurship: Tools for Education and National Development in the 21st Century.
The Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman During his speech emphasised the 18 year limit policy is for those students seeking admission into the Universities and not those writing Ordinary level Examination.
Recall that in July, Prof. Mamman announced that from the beginning of 2025 candidates below 18 years will not be allowed to participate in SSCE Examinations and this caused arguments among parents and education stakeholders.
According to the Prof. The Ministry is simply stating the age required written in the National policy of Education, the UBEC Act, and the Education(minimum) standard Act 1993 and not the age for writing WAEC, NECO, NABTEB or any Ordinary Examinations.
However, there are some outstanding brilliant students and the Ministry will work out a guideline to cater to the cases of these children.
The Minister of Education also stated a new curriculum for basic and senior secondary Education in Nigeria beginning October. He also appreciated the National Educational Research and Development Council for their Initiatives in formulating the curriculum based on the National skills framework.
Additionally, Dr. Yusuf Sununu Tanko who is the Minister of State for Education, emphasized the usefulness of grooming the creative abilities of young Nigerans.