Reps support age restriction for SSCE and UTME Candidates
The recent Federal Government decision to establish a minimum age requirement for candidates taking the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE) appears set to remain in effect, according to the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education.
In July, Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman announced that starting in 2025, candidates younger than 18 will be barred from taking the SSSCE. This change means such students would be ineligible for admission to higher education institutions.
This announcement has sparked intense discussion among parents and education professionals.
Mark Useni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, outlined why the Federal Government is unlikely to reverse this decision.
Useni explained, “The Committees on Basic Education and Examination Boards presented the issue to the House of Representatives leadership. The Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, quickly appointed House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvere to mediate a discussion between the committees and the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.”
The meeting, held on September 4, included the minister, Minister of State for Education Dr. Tanko Sununu, and leaders of basic education examination bodies.
Prof. Mamman clarified that the 18-year age requirement was established before the adoption of the 6-3-3-4 education system and is rooted in the Universal Basic Education Act. He noted that this policy is not unique to Nigeria, citing similar age requirements in military and paramilitary institutions, and mentioned that the voting age in Nigeria is also set at 18.
Useni, a member of the All Progressives Congress representing Takum/Donga/Ussa Federal Constituency in Taraba State, expressed concern about children as young as 12 seeking university admission.
He remarked, “The policy aims to align educational pursuits with the cognitive and physical development of children. However, the Ministry of Education needs to create a clear framework for the full implementation of this policy. It must also ensure that students currently in senior secondary classes are not left in a difficult position once they complete their education.
“We have instructed the minister and his team to devise a strategy based on available data to ensure the policy serves the public interest without causing undue disruption,” he added.
