Prof Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, has announced that the federal government is considering a revision to establish 18 years as the minimum age for admission to higher education institutions in the country. As the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) was being closely observed in Abuja, the minister mentioned the importance of not putting excessive pressure on children and wards. This advice highlighted the significance of giving young individuals the opportunity to develop maturity in handling their own responsibilities.
Upon further observation, it has come to their attention that the age of the university applicants is a concern. A number of them appear to be excessively young. This issue must be examined as their youth may hinder their comprehension of the significance of a university education. This is the point in their lives when students transition from a structured setting where they have control over their own responsibilities. If they are too inexperienced, they may struggle to handle things effectively.
The pressure on children should not be excessive.
This is a contributing factor to the issues they observe in universities. Examining this issue will be the ministry’s priority. While the university entry age is eighteen, it is concerning to see younger students, aged 15 and 16, taking the exam. The pressure on children should not be excessive, and parents need to be mindful of this, he expressed. Praising JAMB for the smooth execution of exams, the minister emphasized that the integration of technology has played a key role in decreasing instances of cheating during the examination process.
From the initial screening to the presence of students, the examination process is smooth and hassle-free. The learning environment is conducive and pleasant for students. Incorporating technology into their operations and educational system is crucial for making life convenient and streamlined for everyone. This nationwide examination is currently underway. It is being closely monitored in every corner with great efficiency. According to the latest report the minister received, the incidence of malpractice is remarkably low, only 100 cases out of 1.2 million.
Developing skills from the moment a student enters school is crucial.
Evidently, the use of technology has played a key role in reducing this number significantly, which is a positive development, he remarked. Mamman pointed out that with the large number of candidates applying for a limited number of spots in tertiary education institutions, it is essential for young people to focus on acquiring skills to better prepare themselves for a successful future. The focus is not on getting a job, but rather on the number of individuals who will be accepted from this group. On average, he believes that around 20 percent of students are accepted into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
More so, the 80 percent they are concerned about are the young individuals under their care – their children, their dependents who reside with them. It is crucial to prioritize skills acquisition as it ensures that students who are unable to pursue higher education can still lead fulfilling lives post-secondary school, and even post-primary education. Developing skills from the moment a student enters school is crucial for success throughout their education. It is expected that by the end of the 6-3-3-4 system, every individual will have acquired a range of skills to prepare them for the future.
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Additionally, upon completing junior secondary school, it is expected that students will have developed essential skills that will benefit them in life. Even if they choose not to continue to senior secondary school, they will have acquired abilities that will allow them to independently navigate through life and not rely on their parents or society for support. Mamman emphasized the significance of this skill as the top priority for driving empowerment in the education sector, whether in public or private institutions and for the benefit of younger generations.
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