The National Assembly has stepped in to address the growing 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, on Sunday, has sparked widespread criticism from various quarters, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and several civil society organizations (CSOs).
Critics have described the policy as “archaic and draconian,” urging the government to halt its implementation and convene a meeting with education sector stakeholders to deliberate on the matter.
In response to the public outcry, the Senate has indicated that it will hold a public hearing on the issue when it comes before the senators.
According to Vanguard, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), said, “The Senate will consider, through it’s relevant committee, public views on any government policy brought to our legislative notice. Whatever is brought to the Senate for constitutional and statutory stamps shall be subjected to legislative crucible which includes public hearings.”
On his part, spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, said the Green Chamber has no position on the matter yet, 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.
