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*The Irony of Nigeria’s Rush for Progress: A Call for Reflection*
According to the National Policy on Education (2013), the minimum age for entry into Junior Secondary School (JSS 1) is 12 years, and students must have completed Primary School and obtained a Primary School Leaving Certificate.
For entry into Senior Secondary School (SSS1), the minimum age is 15 years, and students must have completed Junior Secondary School and obtained a Junior Secondary School Certificate. Tertiary institution age is pegged at 18 years and it has been so since we adopted the 6-3-3-4 system of education.
In Nigeria, some parents often exhibit a paradoxical nature, frequently espousing enthusiasm for progressive ideas, while their actions and words reveal a contrasting reality. This inconsistency has hindered our nation’s development, as we tend to embrace initiatives impulsively, only to falter due to a lack of commitment and follow-through.
I commend the Tinubu’s led administration efforts to enforce the minimum age for tertiary institution admission to 18 years, a move that prioritises students’ readiness and maturity for higher learning. While some may argue that this policy restricts young prodigies, it is essential to consider the context and potential benefits.
Essentially, parents must take responsibility and try to comply with the system. The Nigerian culture of rushing through life’s stages often leads children into unintended consequences, such as juvenile delinquencies, internet scams, and the hookup culture. Allowing a 16-year-old into the university can expose them to pressures they may not be equipped to handle.
It is ironic that Nigerians often reference developed nations as benchmarks for progress, yet we struggle to uphold the laws and regulations in our own country. We advocate for international standards in education, economy, and governance, but neglect to adhere to the basic principles of obedience and compliance in our daily lives.
Let us not deceive ourselves into thinking that we can build a prosperous nation without first building a culture of obedience, discipline, and respect for authority. We must start by adhering to the laws and regulations in our own land, rather than constantly looking elsewhere for solutions.
By reflecting on our actions and attitudes, we can create a more sustainable and progressive path for Nigeria’s development.
Farouk Ozigi Onimisi (MANA)
(The White Orator) a public affairs analyst writes from Abuja FCT Nigeria 2nd September
