FG Faces Backlash Over New 18-Year Age Requirement For WASSCE

FG Faces Backlash Over New 18-Year Age Requirement For WASSCE
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the education sector have criticized the Federal Government’s new policy setting the minimum age for writing the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) at 18, arguing that it will hinder the sector’s progress…….CONTINUE READING 

This reaction follows an announcement by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, stating that starting in 2025, candidates under 18 will be barred from taking the SSCE and, consequently, will be unable to gain admission into higher education institutions.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the National Parents/Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and members of the Concerned Parents and Educators Network (CPE) all voiced their concerns in discussions with Vanguard.

Mamman revealed the policy shift during a recent television interview, noting that Nigeria’s 6–3–3–4 education system generally sees students enroll at age six, leading to graduation around age 18. However, many students graduate earlier due to skipped grades.

In July, the Ministry of Education had already implemented a policy setting 18 as the minimum age for admission to tertiary institutions, with an exception for the 2024 admission cycle allowing 16-year-olds. Mamman confirmed that from now on, those under 18 will not be permitted to take the SSCE, emphasizing that the current policy will give parents advance notice of the new requirements.

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