The Federal Government has implemented a ban on the participation of underage children in the National Common Entrance Examination, which serves as a means of admission into Unity Schools across the country.
In addition, the government has instructed the National Examination Council (NECO) to implement stringent measures to prevent underage individuals from registering for the examination. One such measure is the mandatory requirement of a birth certificate during the registration process.
Mr. David Andrew Adejo, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, issued these directives while overseeing the 2023 Common Entrance Examination held in 110 Federal Government Colleges throughout the nation.
During his monitoring activities, the Permanent Secretary observed that a total of 72,821 candidates nationwide took part in the examination.
Adejo emphasized that candidates should be at least 12 years old to enter secondary school. He further explained that it is acceptable for a candidate to be eleven years old at the time of the examination, provided that they reach the age of 12 by September.
Expressing his dissatisfaction, the Permanent Secretary highlighted the issue of underage individuals taking the examination. He revealed that certain institutions, including Airforce School, strictly enforce the requirement that candidates be at least twelve years old for admission.
"This year, I have some advice for parents, and I urge you to disseminate this advice to every household you know. Allowing underage children to sit for the Common Entrance Examination is detrimental to their well-being.
"I personally witnessed children whom I know to be under 10 years old, and three of them admitted to being nine years old. By permitting this, we are promoting incorrect values. Education is not solely about passing exams; it encompasses teaching, learning, and character development.
"I implore parents to ensure that their children take the exams at the appropriate time. Pushing your child excessively does not yield desirable outcomes. Often, if a child starts their education too early, they may encounter challenges later in life.
"Education is structured in a way that the brain can comprehend and utilize specific messages at each stage of life. We are transitioning away from an education system that revolves around reading textbooks and passing exams."