The Concerned Parents and Educators, CPE Initiative has called on the federal government to reassess the recently announced age restrictions for students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE.
In a statement released on Friday, August 30, 2024, and signed by the group’s coordinator and CEO of Edumark Consult, Yinka Ogunde, the CPE warned of the potential long-term consequences of the new policy.
The CPE expressed its deep concern over the directive from the Minister of Education, which prohibits students under the age of 18 from taking the WASSCE. The group also criticized the decision, describing it as an example of arbitrary governmental decision-making that could have serious implications for the future of Nigeria’s youth.
“The implications of this directive are far-reaching and potentially detrimental,” the statement read.
The CPE urged the Minister of Education to reconsider the policy, noting that it could leave hundreds of thousands of students idling for two to three years while waiting for the opportunity to take the crucial examination.
The group suggested that instead of imposing such restrictions at the final stage of secondary education, the government should address the issue at the foundational level. The CPE proposed that admission guidelines should ensure children enter primary school at age 6 and secondary school at age 12, which would create a more structured and fair educational environment.
The CPE also highlighted the broader societal risks of the policy, warning that a large number of young people could be left without constructive activities, leading to potential social issues. “This is not merely an educational concern but a social one that could have lasting repercussions,” the group stated.
The group called on the Minister of Education to engage in dialogue with stakeholders to develop a more balanced solution, urging a comprehensive review of the policy’s potential impacts.
