JUST IN: “Nobody said no child can write WASSCE, NECO or any other exam unless they are 18” – Minister

The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that it has not barred students under 18 from sitting for the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.

The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, addressed the issue in Abuja during an event marking the 2024 International Literacy Day (ILD). He expressed disappointment over the public’s misunderstanding of comments made by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, regarding tertiary education entry age.

Dr. Sununu emphasized that the minister’s remarks pertained to the recommended minimum age of 18 for university admission, in line with the 6:3:3:4 education system. He further clarified that the ministry is in discussions with the National Assembly to develop guidelines on exceptional cases where students below 18, but of extraordinary intellectual ability, could be admitted to universities.

“Nobody said no child can write WASSCE, NECO, or any other exam unless they are 18. This is a complete misinterpretation,” Sununu stressed.

During the ILD celebration, Sununu highlighted the critical role of literacy in promoting peace, mutual understanding, and socio-economic development. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling literacy challenges through the Education for Renewed Hope roadmap (2024-2027), which focuses on youth and adult literacy and the use of local languages as a medium of instruction.

Prof. Simon Akpama, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education (NMEC), echoed the importance of multilingual education, describing it as essential for fostering peace and cultural respect.

UNESCO’s Country Representative, Mr. Diallo Abdourahamane, also emphasized that literacy is a fundamental human right, necessary for creating a just and sustainable society.

The theme of this year’s International Literacy Day is “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”