Nigeria’s recent educational policy shift to enforce an 18-year age limit for key examinations like the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) is a symptom of a deeper issue of age-related inconsistencies in the country. While the Federal Government’s intention, as outlined by Education Minister Tahir Mamman, is to ensure that students are fully prepared both academically and emotionally before undertaking these important exams, the policy has sparked a huge outcry.
Critics argue that such a restriction could unjustly prevent younger, academically gifted students from advancing in their career. It can be argued that this policy is unusual due to its strict age restrictions. According to the OECD, the average minimum age for university admission in Western countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and much of Europe, is typically 17 or 18 years old. In many of these countries, students generally begin university around the age of 18, aligning with the completion of their secondary education. The average age at graduation varies based on the course of study but usually ranges between 22 and 24 years for undergraduate degrees.
Age policy contradicts child marriage laws in northern states.
It is further complicated when compared with Nigeria’s Marriage laws. In several parts of the country, particularly in northern states, girls as young as 16 are legally allowed to marry. This discrepancy shows an obvious contradiction: while these young women are considered mature enough for marriage, they are deemed too young to take important academic examinations. The prevalence of Child Marriage in Nigeria, with UNICEF reporting that 44% of girls are married before the age of 18, demonstrates the need for a more consistent approach to youth policy.
Experts and activists, like Dr. Gifty Addico from UNFPA, emphasize the urgency of addressing these contradictions to protect the rights and futures of young girls. This is especially because the rate of underage girls being married in the North is astronomical. According to the UNFPA, as of 2017, 77.9% of girls aged between 15 and 17 in Jigawa were married or in a union. In Katsina, it was 71.6%; 70% in Zamfara; 66.3% in Bauchi; 55.5% in Sokoto; 54.6% in Gombe; 51% in Kebbi; 50.9% in Borno; 48.6% in Yobe; and 38.3% in Kano.
Illegal underage voting and the fairness of Nigeria’s policies.
Additionally, the issue of underage voting still persists. Despite legal provisions that set the voting age at 18, there have been numerous reports of minors participating in elections, particularly in the northern regions. Organizations like Afenifere have criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to enforce these age restrictions, which undermines the credibility of the electoral process. The ongoing concerns about electoral malpractice concerns the inconsistencies in how age-related policies are enforced across different aspects of Nigerian society.
The recent success of over 1.3 million candidates in the WASSCE, with 72.12% achieving credits in key subjects, is proof of the potential of the youth. However, the lack of data on the age distribution of these successful students leaves unanswered questions about how the new age restrictions might impact future results. Critics argue that the policy could disrupt students’ academic momentum, forcing them to wait years before they are eligible to take their exams. This could have long-term effects on their educational and professional life. This raises concerns about the fairness and practicality of the age limit.
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Proponents of the new policy, however, argue that delaying exams until students are 18 allows for better emotional and psychological development. Educationists like Rowland Nwanze support the idea, focusing on the benefits of a more realistic approach to child development. The policy is seen as a way to align Nigeria’s Educational System with global standards, ensuring that students are adequately prepared before facing the pressures of higher education. However, this perspective raises questions about the broader implications of such a policy in a country where educational opportunities are already limited for many.