The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a decisive step to prohibit underage children from participating in the National Common Entrance Examination, which serves as the gateway to admission into Unity Schools across the country. This action aims to ensure the integrity and fairness of the examination process.
In a directive issued by Mr. David Andrew Adejo, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Examination Council (NECO) has been tasked with implementing strict measures to prevent underage individuals from registering for the examination. One such measure includes making the submission of a birth certificate a compulsory requirement during the registration process.
During the monitoring of the 2023 Common Entrance Examination into the 110 Federal Government Colleges nationwide, the Permanent Secretary revealed that a total of 72,821 candidates sat for the examination. Adejo emphasized that candidates should be at least 12 years old to enter secondary school, allowing for a proper developmental stage. He expressed concern over the presence of underage individuals taking the examination and stressed that candidates under the age of eleven are deemed ineligible for admission into schools like Airforce School.
The Permanent Secretary urged parents to consider the long-term implications of enrolling their children in examinations before they reach an appropriate age. He emphasized the importance of education being a holistic process encompassing teaching, learning, and character formation. Adejo stressed that education is not solely about passing exams but also about acquiring knowledge to benefit society. Pushing children to start school prematurely can lead to difficulties later in life, such as challenges in university admissions.
To ensure compliance with the new regulations, NECO will implement checks and require the submission of birth certificates during the registration process. This additional step aims to verify the age of candidates and eliminate instances of underage participation.
Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary acknowledged the positive impact of efforts by the Federal Government and stakeholders in promoting girls’ education. This year, the number of girls who registered for the Common Entrance Examination reached 38,000, a significant increase compared to previous years. This trend reflects the progress made in fostering equal educational opportunities for girls.
According to Professor Dantani Wushishi, the Registrar of NECO, the examination was conducted smoothly and without any major issues. Out of the 72,821 registered candidates, Lagos State recorded the highest number of enrollments, followed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Conversely, Kebbi State had the lowest number of registered candidates, with approximately 115 participants.
NECO will take measures to address the challenges arising from last-minute registrations and ensure a more streamlined process for future examinations.
The Federal Government’s ban on underage candidates in the Common Entrance Examination signifies its commitment to maintaining the integrity and fairness of the education system. By enforcing age eligibility requirements, the government aims to provide a solid foundation for students’ educational journeys and promote a more balanced learning environment.