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WAEC, NECO Age Requirement Policy Will Drag Education Sector Backwards – SSANU
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has expressed deep concerns and issued strong statements in response to various recent developments in Nigeria.
In a communiqué released after its 49th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, SSANU criticized the Federal Government’s decision to enforce an 18-year age limit for students taking the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and gaining admission into tertiary institutions. The union argued that this policy would set back the education sector, urging the government to consult widely to avoid a crisis.
SSANU also voiced frustration over the delayed payment of four months’ worth of withheld salaries, despite a directive from President Bola Tinubu for these payments to be made. The union called on relevant government agencies to promptly release the funds.
Additionally, SSANU demanded that the Federal Government extend the distribution of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to universities to ease transportation challenges for staff and students, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
On the topic of earned allowances, SSANU noted that N50 billion was allocated in the 2023 budget for this purpose and urged the government to release these funds to avoid industrial unrest in the education sector
. The union also expressed concerns about the socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria, such as the rising cost of living, inflation, and widespread insecurity, which they attributed to poor government policies and corruption.
SSANU condemned the suppression of peaceful protests by law enforcement agencies, particularly the Nigerian Police, who allegedly harassed and intimidated SSANU and NASU members during a protest in Abuja.
The union called on law enforcement agencies to respect the rights of citizens and to act with professionalism to avoid further escalating tensions in the country.
Federal Government Refutes Age Restrictions for NECO and WAEC Exams
The Federal Government has dismissed rumors suggesting that age restrictions apply to the National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams.
Dr. Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, clarified this in Abuja on Friday, affirming that there are no age limits for taking these exams. He explained that the age restriction applies only to the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and university entry, which will start at 18 years beginning in 2025.
Sununu pointed out that the National Policy on Education specifies that children should start primary school at age six, spend six years there, and then proceed to three years each in junior and senior secondary schools, totaling 18 years.
His remarks came during a briefing for the 2024 World Literacy Day, themed “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”
Sununu addressed the confusion, stating, “We have clarified this issue in various forums, but the misinformation persists. Neither the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, nor I have announced any age limit for WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB exams.”
He added, “Some individuals have misinterpreted our comments regarding UTME age restrictions and mistakenly applied them to WAEC and NECO. Our previous statements only pertained to university entry age, as outlined in the National Policy on Education.”
Sununu also highlighted that the policy supports teaching children in their local language or mother tongue until primary three, after which English is introduced. This approach, he noted, facilitates better communication and learning.
President Tinubu Pledges Bold Decisions for Nigeria’s Progress
President Bola Tinubu has affirmed his commitment to making the tough decisions needed for Nigeria’s progress. He acknowledged the challenge of achieving national consensus on various issues but underscored that such decisions are crucial for the country’s advancement.
Wrapping up his official visit to China, President Tinubu met with the Nigerian community and members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO China) at the China World Hotel. He described the trip as highly successful and beneficial.
During his visit, President Tinubu engaged in discussions with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and participated in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The focus was on boosting collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, the green economy, and mining.
Addressing Nigerians in China, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of representing Nigeria positively and being exemplary citizens. He highlighted the need for discipline and dedication, drawing inspiration from China’s disciplined society.
The President encouraged Nigerians abroad to embrace their diversity, follow local laws, and project a positive image of their country. He stated:
“Nigeria is undergoing significant reforms, and we are making bold and unprecedented decisions. You might have heard recent news about fuel prices at home. But can we avoid these tough choices if we want to improve our infrastructure, like roads, electricity, and water supply? We aim to hand over a better future to our children, and that requires us to make hard decisions now.”
President Tinubu Wraps Up China Visit and Heads to London via Dubai
On Friday, September 6th, President Bola Tinubu concluded his official visit to China and is now en route to London, United Kingdom, with a stopover in Dubai.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the President will travel to the UK via Dubai.
During his visit, President Tinubu assured Nigerians in China that his administration is committed to good governance and aims to replicate China’s successes for the benefit of Nigeria. He made these remarks during a meeting with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel in Beijing.
The meeting marked President Tinubu’s final official engagement in China before his departure for London.
President Tinubu described his visit to China as “very good and successful.”
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