The cons of age 18 and above only for SSCE Exams – Our Security, Our Peace By Prof. O.E Bassey

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that students must now be at least 18 years old to sit for the Senior Secondary School Certificate

Examinations (SSCE). This means that students younger than 18 will be prohibited from taking the exam.

The decision has sparked widespread criticism, with key stakeholders  condemning the move. The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman,

hinted at the new policy during a television program, stating, “This policy has been in place for a long time. If you calculate the years students are expected to spend in school, it amounts to 17 and a half years.”

He added, “Moving forward, NECO and WAEC will no longer allow underage students to take their exams. Simply put, students who have not spent the required number of years at their respective educational levels will not be

permitted to sit for the examination.”

In my view, education is a complex journey where students advance at varying paces. Some students are academically gifted and mature enough to handle the demands of the SSCE well before turning 18. For these students, being barred from taking the exam solely due to age would be both frustrating and counterproductive. This policy unintentionally penalizes those capable of excelling early, potentially hindering their academic progress and delaying their transition to higher education.

This one-size-fits-all approach overlooks the diversity of educational experiences across Nigeria. In many rural areas, where access to quality education is already limited, students often experience delays in their schooling due to various socio-economic challenges. Imposing an age limit could exacerbate these delays, further disadvantaging students who are already behind.

The age restriction could also lead to unintended social consequences. In Nigeria, where age and education are closely tied to social status, preventing younger students from taking the SSCE could result in stigmatization. Those ready but unable to take the exam might face peer pressure, anxiety, and a sense of inadequacy, negatively impacting their overall educational experience.

Moreover, this policy could widen the gap in educational inequality. Wealthier families might turn to alternative educational options, such as international schools or foreign exams without such age restrictions, leaving students from less privileged backgrounds at a disadvantage. This could create an uneven playing field and perpetuate inequality within Nigeria’s education system.

Rather than enforcing a blanket age restriction, a more nuanced approach should be considered. For example, implementing a comprehensive  assessment system could evaluate students’ readiness for the SSCE based on academic performance, maturity, and teacher recommendations, ensuring that only those truly prepared—regardless of age—are allowed to sit for the exam.

The government could also introduce support systems for younger students who are academically ready but under 18. Programs like mentorship, counseling, and additional preparatory courses could help ensure these students are emotionally and academically equipped to handle the SSCE’s demands.

Furthermore, public consultation and stakeholder engagement are crucial before implementing such policies. The government should engage in extensive consultations with educators, parents, students, and education experts. This

collaborative approach would help ensure the policy is well-informed and address potential issues before it is implemented.

While the government’s intention to ensure students are mature enough to take the SSCE is commendable, the current age restriction policy may cause more harm than good. By adopting a more flexible and comprehensive approach, Nigeria can create an education system that nurtures the potential of all students, regardless of age. After all, education should be about merit, readiness, and the pursuit of knowledge—not merely a number.

Proverbs 15:22: Plans fail when there is no consultation. But there is accomplishment through many adviser.

Meanwhile, I am delighted to inform you that come October 1, 2024, we at NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership

will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary.

To this end is our campaign to spread the education of peace leadership to both the old and young, women and children in various places from corporate

organizations, to political organizations, worship centers, educational institutions, markets, and communities.

It is our belief that the more educated the people are in respect to peace

leadership, the more peaceful our country will become. So this is a call to action to hop on our Peace campaign train, to arm yourself, your friends, your colleagues, your employees, and your congregation with contemporary peace leadership knowledge that makes for a happier and more fulfilled life, personally and collectively.

Kindly call or send a message on Whatsapp to +2347065828892, to be a

beneficiary of this.

Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Leadership, Conflict, Peace, and Security

Management Coach with decades of experience in the practice and promotion of Law Enforcement, Peace, and Security through the Nigeria Police and the United

Nations.

He has served and interacted at the top level management of the Nigeria Police

as well as internationally as a United Nation’s Monitor/Mentor in Kosovo,

Europe.

Ofonime is a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently a Professor of

Leadership, Peace, and Conflict Resolution with ICOF University, USA/Zambia and a Professor of Peace Education with Charismatic International University, Cameroon.

With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa,

he is the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership.

Presently, he is spearheading a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders”, a campaign that is billed to run from 2022-2030 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.

For leadership, conflict, peace and security consultations and trainings, reach him via:

Facebook: Dr. O.E Bassey

LinkedIn: Dr. O.E Bassey

X: Dr. O.E Bassey

WhatsApp: +2347065828892

Mail: emmanuelbassey@gmail.com