Rethinking Varsity Admission Age in Nigeria: A Step Forward or Back to the Stone Age?
PanNigerianNews
7 min read
Sayo Àlàgbé
There is no year Nigeria is not without an issue of national weight and circumference to amuse or probe our national conscience. We like drama and government likes to write scripts. Our is a nation with multiple issues at the forefront of national life, and legions of issues in the minds of the citizenry. A nation of paradox.
Among the litmus test of any administration or tenure of an elected government is the nature of policies to be implemented, or being evaluated in the course of time. It is with serious pains and personal concerns that this article becomes a necessity rather than steps into luxury of writing. While it may be deducted that Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) may have its genuine reasons as been speculated in certain quarters for the implementation of the mandatory 18 years status as required admission age into Nigerian universities (both private and public universities); it is tempting, yet, imperative to look beyond the policy and focus on the age itself, 18.
Significant is the fact that as Nigeria grapples with evolving education policies, the declaration over university admission age has sparked widespread concern and arguments. Some argue that recent changes may hinder progress, pulling the nation back to outdated practices. Is this a well-intentioned step towards reform, or are we unknowingly steering towards a regression that could limit the potential of future generations? To be succinct, there are various complex dynamics at play that deserve being explored and dissected.
This policy, as being projected by it’s protagonist, aims to ensure that students entering university are mature and ready for the challenges of higher education. However, it overlooks the reality that many students in Nigeria, aged between 14 and 16, are brilliant, bold, and academically capable, having passed their secondary school examinations like the duo of West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) in flying colours. We don’t need to be reminded of the milieus, challenges and psychological trauma many of these young mind survived to write their secondary examinations. It is a cycle many of leaders are familiar with. Most of them rise to the top from grass to grace. Adversity was once their companion. Luxury is now their preference.
There is no doubt about it that to deny these young minds access to university could have negative implications for their future and the country’s overall intellectual growth. Through this medium, l will evaluate the potential dangers of this policy and provide probable solutions in form of recommendations for reconsideration by the Minister for Education …..name?……., and the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN).
To begin with, a significant danger of the policy manifests in form of being excluded and denial of their inalienable right as at when due, not when government approves – based on age as a weak premise to rest such submission. It is not only ridiculous that an under 17 years old can represent the nation at African Youth football competition, Under 17 World Cup, but cannot pursue his or her personal goals. How does this sound or taste?
Moreover, nothing discourages these promising youths more than
that being excluded from their academic goals and objectives. To the young and exceptionally gifted hands and brilliant students, who have proven their readiness for university education and its challenges, through their WAEC and NECO evidenced enviable results, Nigeria has become an obstacle rather than inspiration to achieve and contribute to its lofty goals.
Furthermore, among the students in focus and who will sorely be affected by the new educational policy are those within the age range of 14 and 16 years old, and have demonstrated exceptional intellectual capacity and maturity. To prevent them from progressing to university when their minds are sharp and eager to learn, would amount to waste of valuable time and suppress their potentials for academic and career development.
Remarkable is the fact that this new policy not only a stumbling block, it is a stylish manner of criminalizing ambitions, questions progress and denial of being advanced. To restrict such students to wait until they turn 18; could result in a loss of motivation, despair and psychological disengagement from their educational pursuit. It is not all the youths that can keep hope live for long. The tempest of life could sway many of them to criminal world. After all, consistency hates deviation.
Beyond doubt, these brilliant minds may become disillusioned with our educational system, which they may perceive as hindering their progress. Denying them the opportunity to further their education when they are most vibrant, focused and prepared for it; could lead to a stagnation of their intellectual growth.
Consequently, one of the most troubling implications of this policy is its potential to breed negative social behaviors among frustrated young students. Those denied admission to university may face boredom and a lack of purpose, which could push them towards undesirable activities such as drug use, alcohol abuse, or involvement in criminal activities like theft, breaking and entering. The policy could unintentionally contribute to a rise in societal problems, including unwanted pregnancies and the proliferation of harmful behaviors among youth who feel their academic dreams have been stifled.
Rather than helping to mold responsible, educated citizens, the policy risks creating a generation of youth who are disconnected from their potential. The delay in university admission may lead to restlessness, and with a lack of academic engagement and vocational training as next option, coupled with worsening socioeconomic situation of the nation; without mincing words,
these young individuals may seek other outlets for their energy and frustration.
For young, brilliant students, the university environment offers a platform for personal and intellectual growth. University education challenges students to think critically, engage in high-level academic discussions, and explore research and innovation. By delaying their entry into this environment, the policy deprives them of valuable opportunities for growth and development.
The young brain is at its most flexible and receptive to learning, particularly during adolescence. To restrict students to remain outside the university system until they turn 18, risks them being redundant in their their intellectual curiosity and engagement. What might have been a formative period for exploration and academic achievement, could become a wasted gap in their educational journey.
Similarly, the policy also imposes financial and emotional burdens on families. Parents who have invested time and resources into their children’s education may find it difficult to cope with the additional years of waiting. They may be forced to pay for extra schooling or tutoring to keep their children engaged during the gap period before they turn 18. For families in lower-income brackets, this could result in severe financial strain and potentially cause them to reconsider further education for their children altogether.
Moreover, the frustration and disappointment experienced by under-18 students who are denied university admission could spill over into family life, causing emotional stress for both parents and children. Parents who are eager to see their children advance in their academic careers may feel powerless and disillusioned by a system that appears to hold their children back despite their demonstrated readiness.
Given the potential dangers of this policy, it is crucial for the Nigerian government and the Minister for Education to reconsider their stance. Below are key recommendations for action:
The policy should make allowances for academically advanced students between the ages of 14 and 16. Rather than using an arbitrary age limit, the government should focus on the academic readiness and maturity of individual students. If a student has passed their WAEC and NECO exams and is prepared for the rigors of university life, they should be allowed to proceed without unnecessary delays.
Some advanced countries recognize the potential of young, brilliant students and offer them accelerated pathways to higher education. Nigeria should adopt a similar approach, ensuring that bright and bold students are not hindered by bureaucratic age limits. By doing so, the country can harness the potential of its brightest minds and avoid intellectual stagnation.
The government should recognize the importance of allowing young minds to continue their educational journey when they are most eager and capable of learning. Preventing young students from entering university until they turn 18 could lead to a dulling of their intellectual abilities, as their brains become disengaged from academic pursuits. The sharp and fresh minds of these students should be encouraged to flourish, not stifled by a policy that does not account for individual readiness
The government must also consider the wider societal impact of this policy. By denying students the opportunity to further their education, the policy could contribute to increased social problems such as drug abuse, criminal behavior, and unwanted pregnancies. To avoid this, the government should ensure that young, motivated students are given opportunities to continue their education, remain engaged, and pursue their ambitions in a constructive and positive environment.
Rather than imposing a rigid age restriction, the government should adopt a more flexible approach that evaluates students on their individual merits. This could include assessments of academic preparedness and personal maturity, rather than a blanket age policy. By allowing students who are ready for university to proceed, the education system will become more inclusive and responsive to the needs of its young population.
The new education policy requiring all admission seekers to be 18 years old or above poses significant dangers to Nigeria’s academic and social space. Brilliant, bold, and agile students between the ages of 14 and 16 should not be denied the opportunity to enter university when they are academically prepared. The policy risks causing intellectual stagnation, breeding negative social behaviors, and placing undue burdens on families. The Nigerian government should reconsider this policy and adopt a more flexible approach that allows young, capable students to continue their education without unnecessary age restrictions. To allow these students to flourish will contribute to a brighter future for Nigeria.
No forward looking nation implements policy that perforates the ambition of her youths, deflate their passion, and sink their morale at one of the best moments of their lives. It is never too late to revisit this policy and walk the paths of noble nation.
Sayo Àlàgbé is a media practitioner, author and publisher. He could be reached on [email protected]. 07039535757
