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WASSCE: National Assembly Intervenes In Age Limit Controversy

Published

7 months ago

Aug 29, 2024.

The National Assembly has intervened in the controversy surrounding the Federal Government’s proposal to set an age limit of 18 years for students to sit for the West Africa Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The proposal, announced by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, has been met with widespread criticism from various quarters, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and several civil society organizations (CSOs).

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that critics have labeled the policy as “archaic and draconian,” calling on the government to halt its implementation and engage with education stakeholders to discuss the issue.

In response to the public outcry, the Senate has indicated that it will hold a public hearing on the matter when it is presented to the senators.

According to Vanguard, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, stated, “The Senate will consider, through its relevant committee, public views on any government policy brought to our legislative notice.

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‘Whatever is brought to the Senate for constitutional and statutory stamps shall be subjected to legislative crucible, which includes public hearings.”

Meanwhile, the spokesman for the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, noted that the Green Chamber has not yet taken a position on the matter as members have not been briefed. “I cannot say anything for now. When the House resumes and the matter is brought before it, it will be looked into,” he said.

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