Parents and educators are reacting to the Federal Government’s new policy mandating that students must be at least 18 years old to sit for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Examination (JAMB).
On Monday, Education Minister Professor Tahir Mamman announced that, starting in 2025, candidates must be 18 to take these exams. Those who do not meet this age requirement will not be eligible for university admission.
Mamman explained that Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system typically involves children starting school at age six, completing six years of primary education, followed by six years of secondary education. Ideally, students should finish secondary school by age 18, but many graduate earlier due to skipping grades.
“It is set at 18 years,” Mamman said. “This year, we are allowing underage candidates as a notice to parents. From next year, JAMB will enforce the age requirement strictly.”
He added, “NECO and WAEC will no longer permit underage students to sit for their exams. Students must have spent the appropriate number of years at each educational level to be eligible.”
According to Mamman, the age limit is based on the years spent in education rather than a specific age requirement.
Dr. Mike Ene, Secretary General of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), criticized the policy. “The minister is a respected academic and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, so we hope this policy will be effective. However, it should be reviewed,” Ene said.
“Such significant changes should involve consultation with all stakeholders. The National Council on Education, which includes the NUT and other key bodies, should have been part of this decision-making process.”
Ene also expressed concerns about the impact on gifted children and those who complete their education early. “Today’s students often start school earlier and might finish secondary education before 18. This policy could negatively affect their progress and opportunities,” he added.
Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, Deputy National President of the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), announced plans to challenge the policy in court. “We are preparing to take legal action if the policy is not revised,” Ogunbanjo said. “This decision seems to undermine educational progress and parents’ efforts. The policy does not align with current realities and could damage the education sector.”
In contrast, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) supports the policy. ASUU President Professor Emmanuel Osodeke stated, “Parents should ensure their children start school at the appropriate age. By 18, students will be mature enough for higher education. Resistance to this policy largely comes from those in private schools. Improving public schools could address this issue.”
Osodeke also addressed concerns about gifted students. “The number of such students is relatively small. Parents should responsibly manage their children’s transition from secondary to higher education,” he concluded.
