Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 PDP Presidential candidate, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s Federal Government for implementing an 18-year age limit on NECO and WAEC exams, calling the policy absurd and detrimental to educational opportunities.
The Federal Government recently imposed a ban on individuals under 18 from participating in the NECO and WAEC exams.
This decision was announced by Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman during his appearance on Channels Television’s “Sunday Politics” program.
Mamman stated that the government has instructed WAEC and NECO to enforce this age restriction for candidates.
In response, Atiku Abubakar took to his verified Facebook page on Wednesday to condemn the policy.
He described it as outdated and a barrier to scholarship, urging universal condemnation from those who value intellectual freedom and accessibility.
“Atiku labeled the policy as controversial and an impediment to educational advancement,” he said.
“Tinubu’s policy on age limits for tertiary education admission belongs in the Stone Ages.
The recent directive by the Federal Ministry of Education on age limits for entry into tertiary institutions is an absurdity and a disincentive to scholarship.”
He continued, “This policy undermines the principles of a federal system, showing how the Tinubu government appears directionless.
How can such an anti-scholarship regulation be seen as a logical step in addressing the numerous issues in our educational system?”
Atiku emphasized that education should be regulated at the sub-national level, not by federal decree.
“The Nigerian constitution places education on the concurrent list, giving sub-national governments more authority than the Federal Government,” he stated.
“The best global practice is to allow sub-national governments to establish their own education laws and regulations.”
He further criticized the government’s failure to address the needs of specially gifted students, stating, “It is disappointing that while announcing this restrictive policy, the government admitted it had no plans to support exceptionally gifted pupils.
This is an embarrassment and reflects poorly on Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing talent.”
Atiku concluded, “This controversial policy is outdated and should be condemned by all who believe in intellectual freedom and accessibility.”
