The federal government's recent announcement to ban students under the age of 18 from sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams has sparked intense debate among stakeholders in the education sector.
Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege, the Olota of Ota, Ogun state, has joined the chorus of voices opposing the plan, arguing that it would limit the potential of Nigerian children and hinder their ability to compete with their peers globally.
Recall that the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, had on Aug. 25, announced a move by the Federal Government to ban students under the age of 18 years from sitting for WASSCE and the one conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO).
Speaking at the 15th anniversary of Adedokun International Schools in Ota, Ogun State, Obalanlege emphasized that the move would be counterproductive and urged the Federal Government to follow international best practices rather than restricting the potential of young Nigerians
Obalanlege said: "This decision would only serve to limit the potential of our children and hinder their ability to compete with their peers around the world. I advise the federal government to reconsider this decision and follow international best practices that would enhance the standard of education in our country."
The monarch's comments were echoed by Mrs. Patience Evans-Osabuohien, the Chairperson of the Parents-Teacher Association of Adedokun International Schools, who warned that the ban could lead to increased crime rates as underage students may be lured into bad gangs.
"If students are not allowed to sit for exams, they may become idle and be lured into bad gangs, leading to an increase in crime rates," Evans-Osabuohien said. "I urge the Federal Government to reconsider this decision and find alternative solutions to address any concerns they may have.
The federal government's plan to ban under-18 students from sitting for WASSCE and NECO exams is aimed at reducing the pressure on students and improving the quality of education. However, critics argue that the move would be counterproductive and hinder the potential of young Nigerians.
The debate surrounding the plan has highlighted the need for stakeholders to come together to find solutions that would enhance the standard of education in Nigeria.
