No Age Restriction for WAEC, NECO Exams, Education Ministry Clarifies

The Federal Ministry of Education has dispelled rumours suggesting that students under the age of 18 have been barred from taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.

Dr Yusuf Sununu, Minister of State for Education, clarified the issue on Friday in Abuja during an event marking the 2024 International Literacy Day (ILD). He addressed public confusion over remarks made by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, regarding the 18-year age limit.

Sununu expressed disappointment over the misinterpretation of the minister’s statement, explaining that it referred to the minimum entry age for tertiary institutions, as per the 6:3:3:4 educational system.

“We were shocked to hear that a university in this country admitted children aged 10, 11, and 12. This is completely wrong,” Sununu said. “While exceptions exist for highly talented students, who may possess adult-level IQs even at ages 6 or 7, these cases are rare. There must be general rules, and the ministry is working on guidelines to identify such talented children.”

He emphasized, “Nobody said children must be 18 before they can write WAEC, NECO, or any other exam. This is a misrepresentation of what was said.”

On the significance of International Literacy Day, Sununu highlighted literacy’s role in promoting peace and socio-economic development. He reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling literacy challenges through the Education for Renewed Hope roadmap (2024-2027), with a focus on youth and adult literacy.

“We must prioritize the role of a learner’s first language in literacy to promote mutual understanding and peace,” he said, adding that well-trained educators must be equipped to teach in local languages.

Prof. Simon Akpama, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult, and Non-formal Education (NMEC), echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of multilingual education in schools.

“Multilingual education fosters peace and cultural respect in our interconnected world,” Akpama said.

UNESCO’s Country Representative, Diallo Abdourahamane, also stressed that literacy is a fundamental human right, essential for building a peaceful and sustainable society.

The theme of this year’s International Literacy Day is “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”

By Ibrahim Abubakar, Yola

In the early hours of this morning, students at the College of Science and Technology in Yola staged a peaceful protest in response to ongoing issues with electricity and water supply. The demonstration, primarily led by hostel residents, was sparked by two weeks of persistent power outages, which have severely impacted the availability of water on campus.

The protesters, Baba lastiri one of the Student expressing their frustration, called on the Adamawa State Government and the college’s management to urgently address the situation. The lack of electricity has not only deprived students of drinking water but also hindered their ability to carry out basic daily activities, such as bathing.

In previous instances, students have had to venture outside the school premises in search of water, but the current situation has reached a breaking point, prompting this morning’s demonstration. The students are urging the authorities to take immediate action to restore both power and water supplies to the campus.

Prof Mohammed Tangos
Said the electricity have been restored and management meeting would be held before to formally address media on the resolution of the institution.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), says it has disbursed more than N2.5 billion institution fees to 12 schools across the country.

The Spokesman of the Fund, Nasir Ayitogo, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said that 22,120 students benefited from the exercise.

According to Ayitogo, the gesture is in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment towards enhancing educational opportunities for Nigerians.

He said the strategic effort aimed to ensure that students who really need the funds could continue their education by lowering the burden of financial constraints.

“So far, six of the 12 institutions have received full payment of their institutional fees, covering over 20,000 students.

“The total amount disbursed to these institutions stands at approximately N2,026,163,340. A further six will receive their payments in the coming week.

“These disbursements will ensure that Nigerian students can proceed with their academic activities unimpeded, fostering peace of mind much needed for these students and their families,” he said.

Ayitogo said NELFUND had also commenced the payment of upkeep to students in addition to the institution fees.

According to him, this initiative will provide essential financial support for living expenses as N442 million has been allocated for the month of July.

“The upkeep payments will benefit all 22,120 students across the 12 institutions, with more to come in the coming weeks and months.

“This is reflecting the federal government’s commitment to the overall well-being and academic success of Nigerian students in government institutions.

“These figures highlight NELFUND’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that financial constraints do not impede academic pursuits.

“NELFUND believes that these disbursements will significantly ease the financial burdens on students and their families, enabling them to focus on their studies and future careers”.

(NAN)