The controversy surrounding the Federal Government’s proposal to set an age limit of 18 years for students to sit for the West Africa Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is a typical example of ‘trouble de sleep, yanga go wake am’.
Nigerians were on their own, looking for the best way to navigate through the hardship in the country.
That was when the Tinubu-led government thought it wise to come up with a proposal.
The government proposed an age limit of 18 years for students to sit for the WASSCE.
That day, many Nigerians forgot all about the hardship, and shifted their anger to the government.
National Assembly To The Rescue
The proposal was announced by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, on Sunday.
This proposal has sparked nothing but widespread criticism from various quarters.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and several civil society organizations (CSOs) have publicly criticised the proposal.
Now, the National Assembly has stepped in to address the growing controversy surrounding the Federal Government’s proposal.
Meanwhile, critics have described the policy as “archaic and draconian”.
They have urged the government to halt its implementation.
The government is advised to convene a meeting with education sector stakeholders to deliberate on the matter.
In response to the public outcry, the Senate has indicated that it will hold a public hearing on the issue when it comes before the senators.
This was made known by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South).
Public Views
Adaramodu said: “The Senate will consider, through its relevant committee, public views on any government policy brought to our legislative notice.
Whatever is brought to the Senate for constitutional and statutory stamps shall be subjected to legislative crucible which includes public hearings.”
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On his part, spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, said the Green Chamber has no position on the matter yet, as members have not been briefed.
“I cannot say anything for now. When the House resumes and the matter is brought before it, it will be looked into,” he said.
Whatever the case may be, Nigerians have made their position clear on the matter.
Will the government listen to the voices of Nigerians or will their voices be ignored?
All eyes are on the Tinubu-led government.
