Nigeria education age limit: a setback to national development and discoveries

The recent policy by the Nigerian Minister of Education, imposing an age limit of 18 years for writing WAEC and JAMB exams has been described as a regressive move that stifles national development and discoveries. This position was made by the Author of the Tale of Hexagon City, an IT Guru and a University Don, Dr. Kehinde Adenegan while sharing his opinions with AGES correspondence.

"This arbitrary restriction denies gifted and exceptional students the opportunity to excel academically, hindering Nigeria's progress in an era of technological advancement", Adenegan posited.

In his words, "I am surprised to often listen to some policies from Nigerian leaders and those in the house who are supposed to make laws and policies that should be embraced and have far-reaching effects on citizens, but the contrast is often the case. 

He further said "at this age, asking people to recite anthems when the stomach is hungry and failure will attract imprisonment or huge fine is obnoxious! Why can't our leaders come with policies such as reduction in cost of governance, age restriction in political office holding, acceptance of independent candidates in public election, imprisonment or death penalties of looters of public funds, employment of Nigeria best brains, enforcing usage of homemade resources ,and the like. These are what we all desire to hear and not age restriction of vibrant heads whose generation is filled with knowledge that surpassed the mungo park era from writing o'level exams".

Adenegan, while praising government on few remarkable developments in the education industry, still bemoaned the present state. "Most of our leaders came to limelights in their twenties and remarkably ruled and led governance when the situation is palatable. Today, some establishments pegged employment at 25-26 years with a minimum of three (3) years working experience. Where will these be seen when age restriction is imposed? Or only politicians and few public office holders who could sponsor their children overseas will be at higher advantage? In fact, am afraid if these people really want the masses to exist in this egalitarian society again!", were the concerns of this academic giant.

When asked his justifications for accepting considerable ages below 18 for university admission, Adenegan highlighted 6 main points why the policy should be reversed. These are:

1. Exceptional talent: Some students demonstrate academic readiness and exceptional abilities beyond their age. Denying them access to higher education hinders their growth and potential contributions to society.

2. Global competitiveness: The world's top universities, such as Harvard and Stanford, have no age restrictions. Imposing an age limit puts Nigerian students at a disadvantage in the global academic arena.

3. Technological era: In today's digital age, students can access vast knowledge and learning resources. Age should not be a barrier to harnessing these opportunities. As a matter of fact, in Asian countries, America and in Europe, many high school students are the developers of some basic apps we are using in Africa. So, why will age 16/17 candidates be asked to still be "wearing pampers in their houses" when not been able to cross to the other stage of their educational careers?

4. Early exposure: Allowing younger students to enter university fosters early exposure to specialized fields, promoting innovation and expertise. We must not wait until they become 70 and 80 to be exposed to governance with today's trend in our polity. It's a pity that those young ones in their thirties and even forties are still busy writing applications for jobs which are not even there in Nigeria today.

5. Inclusivity and diversity: Lifting the age limit encourages inclusivity, accommodating students with varying learning paces and abilities.

6. Economic benefits: Allowing exceptional students to enter university early can lead to faster skill acquisition, contributing to Nigeria's economic growth and development.

To Adenegan, repealing the age limit policy will unlock Nigeria's potential, driving growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. It is crucial to recognize and nurture exceptional talent, regardless of age, to propel Nigeria forward in the 21st century.