Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s policy that bans candidates under 18 from sitting for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.
Atiku described the policy as archaic and detrimental to academic progress, arguing that setting age limits for entry into tertiary institutions is contrary to the spirit of scholarship. He expressed his disapproval in a statement on August 28, 2024, labeling the policy as “absurd” and suggesting it reflects poorly on the government’s understanding of education.
The policy, announced by Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman, mandates that only candidates above 18 can take these senior school certificate exams. Atiku contends that this approach is inappropriate and unconstitutional, as education is listed under the concurrent legislative list, which grants more authority to sub-national governments rather than the federal government.
He criticized the federal government for overstepping its bounds and failing to consider the needs of exceptionally gifted students. Atiku called on Nigerians to oppose the policy, asserting that it undermines intellectual freedom and access to education.
