Private school proprietors have reacted to the federal government’s recent directive to set an age limit for candidates taking the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) exams.
Alaka Lukman, the president of the Lagos chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), spoke with journalists on Tuesday during an interview in Lagos.
Lukman worried that the policy focuses solely on students’ maturity, overlooking individual differences and potential consequences.
He argued that the age limit will delay and deny some students access to higher education, forcing brilliant students who finish secondary school early to wait two extra years before taking WAEC.
According to him, maturity is not solely determined by age and urged the government to reconsider the directive to avoid frustration and disparities in educational outcomes.
The NAPPS President stressed the potential impact on students’ mental health, particularly those facing pressure due to their parents’ financial situations.
He suggested alternative solutions, such as pegging the entry age for university admission, to ensure students are productively engaged and not left idle.
Furthermore, warned that the policy could lead to teenagers roaming the streets, causing potential harm if not addressed.
