The Federal Ministry of Education has issued a clarification regarding recent public confusion over WASSCE and NECO examination policies.
The ministry clarified that it has not barred students under 18 from taking the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.
Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, made this statement in Abuja on Friday.
He was addressing journalists during the 2024 International Literacy Day event.
Sununu expressed disappointment over the public’s misinterpretation of comments made by Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman.
He noted that Mamman’s remarks were about the 18-year age requirement for tertiary institutions, not exams.
“We have agreed that we are going to consider it as a work-in-progress.
“The National Assembly is working, and we are also working,” Sununu said.
He criticised reports claiming that a university admitted children aged 10, 11, and 12 years. “This is totally wrong,” Sununu asserted.
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“We know that some talented students may have the IQ of an adult even at ages six and seven, but these are very few,” he added.
Sununu emphasised the need for rules and mentioned that the ministry is developing guidelines to identify talented children without blocking their chances.
“Nobody said no child will write WASSCE, NECO, or any other examination unless at age 18.
This is a misconception and misrepresentation of what we have said,” he clarified.
On International Literacy Day, Sununu highlighted the importance of literacy in promoting mutual understanding, peace, and socio-economic development.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing literacy challenges through the Education for Renewed Hope roadmap (2024-2027).
He stressed the significance of youth and adult literacy and the use of learners’ mother tongues in education.
“We must focus on the role of a learner’s first language in becoming literate, which will foster mutual understanding and peace,” Sununu said.
Also, he called for well-trained educators who can teach in local languages and for the development of reading materials in these languages.