•Insists admission of underaged students by varsities unacceptable
By Mariam Abeeb
The Honourable Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Honourable Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, has clarified misconceptions surrounding the Federal Ministry of Education’s policy on age limits for sitting for examinations such as WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB.
At the 2024 International Literacy Day Celebration in Abuja, Dr. Sununu explained that the policy is still a work in progress, with ongoing consultations, including discussions with the National Assembly.
He said that the policy is under review and stakeholders are being engaged.
The Minister expressed concern over reports of universities admitting children as young as 10 to 12 years old, deeming it unacceptable.
However, he acknowledged that exceptions may be made for highly gifted students with exceptional IQs, and guidelines will be developed to identify such cases.
The Ministry aims to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive education system, and further updates will be provided as the policy evolves.
Prof. Simon Ibor, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, added that the theme of the 2024 International Literacy Day, “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace,” aligns with the Commission’s goals.
He stressed that multilingual education fosters mutual understanding and respect for cultural diversity.
UNESCO’s National Project Officer for Education, Mr Oladeji Adeyemi, emphasized that literacy is a fundamental human right, enabling individuals to enjoy other rights, and fostering values such as equality, tolerance, and justice.
Since 1967, International Literacy Day (ILD) has been celebrated annually on September 8th across the globe.
The event serves as a reminder to policymakers, practitioners, and the public of the vital role literacy plays in building a more literate, just, peaceful, and sustainable society.
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