Concerned Parents and Educators (CPE) have issued a call for the federal government to immediately reassess the newly imposed age restrictions on eligibility for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This appeal was articulated in a statement released on Friday, signed by Mrs. Yinka Ogunde, Coordinator and CEO of Edumark Consult.
The directive from the Minister of Education prohibits students under the age of 18 from sitting for the WASSCE, a decision that CPE views as problematic and potentially harmful to the future prospects of many students.
In their statement, CPE expressed deep concern over the arbitrary nature of this policy, which they believe could have severe long-term consequences for both the youth and society at large. The group argues that this restriction could leave hundreds of thousands of students idling for an extended period—potentially two to three years—while waiting for the opportunity to take an exam that is crucial for their future educational and career paths.
CPE criticized the decision as a reflection of “arbitrary processes often employed in governmental decision-making,” particularly in matters that significantly impact the youth. They contend that such abrupt changes at critical educational junctures disrupt students’ academic progress and overall development.
To address the issue more effectively, CPE suggests a structural approach to educational planning. They propose that age restrictions should be considered from the beginning of a student’s academic journey, rather than imposing restrictions at the terminal stage of secondary education. Specifically, they recommend that primary school admission be pegged at age 6 and secondary school admission at age 12, thereby creating a more structured and fair educational environment.
By implementing a system that takes age into account from the outset, CPE believes that it would prevent disruptive changes later on and support a smoother transition through the educational system. This approach, they argue, would be more equitable and conducive to students’ success.
CPE’s call highlights the need for a thoughtful reconsideration of policies affecting students and underscores the importance of aligning educational regulations with the developmental needs of young learners.
