Private school proprietors voice concern over 18 year age limit for WAEC, NECO

Owners of private schools have raised worry about the federal government’s mandate to limit the age of West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) candidates.

Alaka Lukman, head of the Lagos branch of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), highlighted his concern in an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Lagos.

“The policy of the government gives us room for concern. We believe that the government is only focusing on the maturity of the students,” said Mr Lukman.

The federal government recently announced that candidates under the age of 18 will no longer be permitted to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or the National Examination Council (NECO).

Mr Lukman said pegging the age limit for the candidates for the examinations would delay and deny some students access to higher education when they complete their secondary education.

“Maturity does not come by age alone. This policy can prove detrimental to brilliant students that finish secondary before they clock 18 years. Will they have to wait two extra years before taking WAEC?

“There is a need for the government to give the directive a second thought because it may not be the best for the system and can lead to frustration.

“The development can also lead to potential disparities in students’ educational outcomes, as not all students may have the same opportunities or resources to continue their education until they reach the age of 18.

“Our government should consider the mental health of our students; some are presently facing the pressure of how to quickly go through secondary school because of the financial position of their parents,” he stated.

The NAPPS president urged the government to set an entry age for university students.

He stated that university admission should not be open to people of all ages.

According to Mr Lukman, the approach will result in teenagers with idle hands roaming the streets, which might be detrimental if an alternate means of engaging these teens is not offered.