The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, has reassured stakeholders that the Federal Government is not introducing a new policy on the minimum age of writing SSCE (WAEC/NECO) or entry into tertiary institutions
The clarification comes amidst concerns raised by various stakeholders condemning the proposed policy as not progressive.
Speaking during an engagement with the leadership of the congress of Nigerian University Academics, Mamman emphasised that the government seeks to fortify existing regulations, not create new ones.
The minister said contrary to earlier report that government had banned under-18 candidates from writing SSCE, there is no such policy in place yet on age limit of entry into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Mamman said “the university system has become polarised with underage students, which sometimes makes the job more tasking for university workers.
“We aim to sanitise and strengthen the system.”
The Minister commended the union’s efforts and reaffirmed his commitment to addressing sectoral issues.
“This meeting demonstrates our willingness to engage and resolve challenges in the education sector,” Mamman said.
The union’s leadership, in turn, presented key challenges facing universities, including withheld salaries, needs assessment committee issues, fake certificates, and the 2014 Pension Act.
The Union’s Leadership On It’s Part Noted The Challenges Impeding The Smooth Running Of Universities As They Tabled Issues Relating To Withheld Salaries Of Its Members, Needs Assessment Committee, Fake Certificates, 2014 Pension Act Among Others.
