APC chieftain speaks on banning students below 18 years from writing WAEC, NECO

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ambassador Abayomi Nurain Mumuni had on Wednesday  urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, from banning students below the age of 18 from writing the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.

Mumuni said that the decision to ban students below 18 years from writing WAEC and NECO will have negative consequences.

Mamman had earlier said that candidates must be 18 years old before they are admitted into tertiary institutions. He said that the examination bodies have been instructed not to allow underage children to write their examinations.

However, Mumuni, in a statement signed by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, advised Tinubu to stop Mamman from implementing the policy.

He maintained that such a policy, when implemented, will have many negative impacts on students and society in general.

He added that the policy, when implemented, would also lead to delayed career aspirations and increased anxiety and stress among the youth.

Mumuni said, “I am appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop the minister from implementing such an obnoxious policy. It will cause more harm than the expected results. This policy will reduce access to educational opportunities. Restricting students under 18 from participating in WASSCE could hinder their progression in the education system, delaying their transition to higher education or vocational training.

“It will also increase school dropout rates. Young students who feel they are unable to take the examinations may lose motivation to continue their education, leading to increased dropout rates.

“The policy, when implemented, will also have psychological and social effects on the students. The pressure of not being able to sit for exams can lead to feelings of inadequacy or stress among students, especially those who are academically inclined.

“Also, the policy will lead to delayed career aspirations. Students may face an extended period before they can enter tertiary education or vocational training, affecting their career prospects and long-term earning potential. If only older students are allowed to take the exams, there could be a bottleneck effect where older candidates face increased competition, making it harder to secure places in higher education.”