Olota of Ota warns FG against banning under-18 students from WAEC, NECO exams

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Olota of Ota, Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege, has warned the Federal Government against banning students under 18 from sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. 

He made this statement on Monday during the 15th anniversary of Adedokun International Schools in Ota, Ogun.

Obalanlege argued that restricting under-18 students from sitting for these exams would limit their potential and hinder their ability to compete with their peers globally. 

He advised the Federal Government to follow international best practices rather than limiting the potential of young Nigerians.

The principal of Adedokun International Schools, Dr. Mike Fatukasi, highlighted the school’s achievements, including being ranked among the best 25 secondary schools in Nigeria.

Mrs. Patience Evans-Osabuohien, the Chairperson of the Parents-Teacher Association, also urged the Federal Government to revisit the decision on age limit, warning that it could lead to increased crime rates if young people are denied access to education.

The Federal Government’s plan to ban students under 18 from sitting for WAEC and NECO exams has generated concerns among stakeholders, with the Olota of Ota and others urging the government to reconsider its decision to avoid limiting the potential of children.