In the vast world of education in Nigeria, a recent statement by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, has sparked a growing controversy. In a recent interview on the popular “Sunday Politics” programme on Channels Television, Professor Mamman spoke out strongly about barring candidates deemed “too young” from sitting for the Senior Secondary School Certificate examinations next year. The Federal Government has reportedly instructed the agencies responsible for conducting the examinations, namely the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO), to adhere to an age limit of 18 years for all candidates.
This directive raises critical questions about the educational pathway of students, involving a journey from early childhood to secondary school that could span seventeen and a half years, according to the Minister. He stressed that young candidates who are too young may not be able to adequately cope with the demands of the examinations, which could ultimately lead to difficulties in higher education.
However, this measure raises legitimate concerns about its potential impact on gifted students, who could be unfairly penalised. The consequences could be more serious than the Minister envisaged, affecting not only students currently in their final year of secondary school, but also those in primary and secondary school. Indeed, Generation Alpha and Generation Z would be particularly affected, depriving the country of its bright and creative minds.
It is essential to consider the wider socio-economic implications of this decision. By depriving these young students of the opportunity to continue their education normally, the government could unwittingly contribute to the creation of a generation of disengaged young people who are potentially vulnerable to indoctrination by radical groups, thus providing fertile ground for insecurity and terrorism.
Rather than simply imposing an arbitrary age limit, it would be better for the Minister to adopt a more holistic approach by looking at the education system as a whole. An inspiring example is the DOTS initiative endorsed by President Bola Tinubu, which aims to collect comprehensive data on students and schools at all levels, allowing for more accurate planning and targeted interventions.
This data-driven approach would not only identify and support gifted students, but also address school dropouts more effectively and improve the quality of education for all children.. By investing in teacher training and introducing digital tools, the government could transform the education system to make it more inclusive and adapted to the needs of each student.
In conclusion, the discussion on education and the future of young people cannot be postponed. It is imperative that the government acts proactively to ensure a bright future for all students, by making informed decisions and adopting educational policies that promote the development of each individual.