The Parent – Teacher association of Nigeria(NAPTAN) has commended the Federal Government for giving clarification on its ban of underage students from gaining admission into the tertiary institution.
The Deputy Chairman of NAPTAN, Mr Adeolu Ogunbanjo, made the commendation in an interview with Newsmen in Lagos on Sunday.
“The Federal Ministry of Education has issued a clarification regarding the eligibility of students under 18 years old to participate in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examinations Council (NECO)-conducted examinations. Contrary to previous misconceptions, the government has not prohibited students below 18 years from sitting for these exams.
Instead, the government has only restricted underage students from seeking or gaining
admission into tertiary education institutions.
According to Ogunbanjo, the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) welcomes this clarification, which has alleviated concerns and panic among stakeholders.”
“Following the government’s clarification, there is now a better understanding that students under the age of 18 are eligible to take the WASSCE and NECO examinations,” Ogunbanjo stated.
Additionally, Ogunbanjo made an appeal to the Federal Government to reconsider the minimum entry age for tertiary education institutions, proposing a reduction to 16 years. He argued that exceptionally gifted students should be permitted to accelerate their academic progress. “In light of the rapidly changing world, we urge the government to maintain a university entry age of 16 years, allowing exceptional students to advance at their own pace,” Ogunbanjo emphasized.
“During the 2024 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Mr. Tahir Mamman, issued a directive to the board to establish a minimum age requirement of 18 years for admission into tertiary education institutions. This policy decision aims to standardize entry requirements for higher education in the country.”
