In a sharp critique of the Federal Government's recent policy, Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has condemned the decision to impose an 18-year minimum age requirement for students taking the NECO and WAEC exams. The former Vice President labeled the policy as not only "absurd" but also a significant barrier to educational opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians seeking scholarships.The controversy started when the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, announced a ban on individuals below the age of 18 from participating in the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, revealed the new policy during an interview on Channels Television's Sunday Politics program. He explained that the government had instructed both NECO and WAEC to enforce this new age requirement as part of the administration's broader educational reforms.However, the announcement has sparked widespread concern, with many questioning the rationale behind such a move. Atiku Abubakar was quick to voice his discontent, taking to his verified Facebook page to describe the policy as outdated and illogical. According to Atiku, this regulation is a direct attack on intellectual freedom and accessibility to education in Nigeria."Tinubu’s policy on age limits for tertiary education admission belongs in the Stone Ages," Atiku wrote. "The recent policy of the Federal Ministry of Education pegging age limits for entry to tertiary institutions is an absurdity and a disincentive to scholarship."Atiku further criticized the policy for being out of touch with the realities of Nigeria's educational system. He questioned how such an "anti-scholarship" regulation could be considered a priority when the country faces far more pressing educational challenges. He also pointed out that education falls under the concurrent legislative list in Nigeria's constitution, meaning that both the federal and state governments share responsibilities in the sector.By imposing a one-size-fits-all policy, Atiku argued, the Tinubu administration is overstepping its constitutional bounds and undermining the autonomy of state governments. "The best global standard for such regulation is to allow the sub-national governments to make respective laws or rules on education," he continued. "It is extra-constitutional for the federal government to legislate on education like a decree."
