Education
WAEC, NECO not restricted to 18 years — FG
WAEC, NECO not restricted to 18 years — FG
The Federal Government has debunked several media reports that it restricted the age for students to write Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE) to 18 years.
The government explained that it only restricted the age for sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and entry into the university to 18 years beginning from 2025, and the decision was not binding on students sitting for examinations conducted by the National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC).
Minister of State for Education, Dr Tanko Sununu, made the clarification in Abuja on Friday during a press conference to herald the 2024 World Literacy Day with the theme “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace”.
He said: “As regards this matter, we have made ourselves clear in different fora. But the issue kept recurring here and there. Actually, nobody among the two of us, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, nor the Minister of State, stated anything about the age limit for WAEC, NECO or NABTEB
“People just pick up some remarks the Minister made, misinterpreted the statements to imply that age restriction has been placed for WAEC and NECO examinations. What we have been mentioning in the past was the entry age for University, candidates sitting for the UTME. We have made this clear several times, and this is in line with the National Policy on Education
“The document stated that a child is expected to enter Primary School at six years, and he’s expected to spend six years in that school making it 12 years, three years each in junior and senior secondary schools, making it 18 years. That’s what is contained in the National Policy on Education document
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“This is directly or otherwise related to the theme of this year’s World Literacy Day. The Policy further stated that a child should learn in the language of the immediate environment or mother tongue up till primary three before English language could be introduced in subsequent years. That has facilitated learning at that level because you can easily communicate.”
The Minister, however, stated that the annual World Literacy Day often create the opportunity to rethink the fundamental importance of literacy in the promotion of world peace and understanding.
He said: “The theme is also apt as it adequately re-emphasized the use of a learner’s mother tongue or their home language; as the language of instruction has been proven to have a positive impact on learning across board.”
Prof. Akpama Iboro, the Executive Secretary, the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, in his remarks, said the commemorative event resonates deeply with the values and goals of the Commission.
He said: “Literacy in a multilingual world transcends the ability to read and write in a single language; it encompasses the rich tapestry of cultural diversity and linguistic heritage that characterizes our nation and the world at large and reminds us that every language is a vessel of culture, knowledge, and wisdom.”
He said the Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting literacy across all regions of our country, recognizing the unique challenges that come with multilingual education, especially in a diverse nation where hundreds of languages are spoken.
He added: “We are committed to integrating multilingual education into our literacy programs, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of their linguistic background, has unimpeded access to quality education. Our goal is to ensure that literacy becomes a tool for social transformation and a cornerstone for mutual understanding and peace.”
The Country Director, UNESCO, Abdourahamane Diallo, in his remarks, appreciated the efforts of the Federal Government in promoting literacy and general education in Nigeria.
He reassured the government of the commitment and support of UNESCO to any course that would strengthen the education system in Nigeria.
WAEC, NECO not restricted to 18 years — FG
Education
25 Universities, Teaching Hospitals Get Solar Power Under REA Programme
25 Universities, Teaching Hospitals Get Solar Power Under REA Programme
Twenty-five federal tertiary institutions have been connected to solar electricity under the Rural Electrification Agency’s (REA) Energizing Education Programme.
The REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, disclosed this during the commissioning of a 3MW captive solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja.
According to Aliyu, the programme covers 22 federal universities and three affiliated teaching hospitals and has deployed more than 100MW of clean energy.
He said the initiative now benefits over 300,000 students and 50,000 academic and administrative staff.
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Aliyu added that the new 3MW facility would power key university facilities, including lecture halls, laboratories, ICT systems, administrative buildings and campus lighting.
Meanwhile, Minister of Power Joseph O. Tegbe said reliable electricity was essential to supporting teaching, research, healthcare and digital services in universities.
He stressed that the long-term performance of the solar projects would be more important than their commissioning.
Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, also said dependable electricity was critical to the institution’s academic and research activities.
25 Universities, Teaching Hospitals Get Solar Power Under REA Programme
Education
Niger State Urges Local Communities to Protect Newly Completed Public Schools
Niger State Urges Local Communities to Protect Newly Completed Public Schools
Basic education officials deliver modern classrooms to help children learn safely, kicking off an ambitious statewide renovation drive.
State education leaders in Niger State are calling on neighborhood residents and parent groups to take good care of newly renovated primary schools.
On Wednesday, the head of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Ibrahim A. Liman, reminded communities that public classrooms belong to everyone, warning that state funding can only make a lasting difference when local people watch over these shared spaces.
To prepare for handing over the keys, board officials visited Zango Primary School in Kontagora and Richard Lander Primary School in New Bussa. These two locations are the first to finish out of seven model schools currently under construction.
During their visits, team members inspected classrooms to make sure builders followed high safety standards, while encouraging neighbors to keep the grounds secure, tidy, and ready for pupils.
Furthermore, state officials explained that these building projects are part of a larger plan to improve early education across every community. Alongside these new classrooms, the board is starting repair work on about 400 primary schools throughout the state.
In addition to fixing desks and roofs, authorities are upgrading classroom teaching tools and supporting teachers. As a result, children across all backgrounds will have safe, welcoming spaces to learn and grow together.
Niger State Urges Local Communities to Protect Newly Completed Public Schools
Education
LASU, LASUED, LASUSTECH Shut as ASUU Begins Indefinite Strike
LASU, LASUED, LASUSTECH Shut as ASUU Begins Indefinite Strike
Students at three Lagos State-owned universities are facing an indefinite interruption of academic activities after ASUU declared a strike over unresolved demands.
LASU, LASUED and LASUSTECH are affected by the industrial action announced by the union’s Joint Campus Group.
ASUU said it had given the Lagos State Government 14 days from August 31 to address its concerns. According to the union, the deadline expired without a concrete plan or meaningful dialogue.
The union had also issued a final warning on September 10, but said the September 13 deadline passed without talks.
Its main demand is for Lagos State to domesticate and implement the December 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement across the three institutions.
ASUU also wants the implementation of welfare provisions, including the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance for serving and retired academic staff.
The union said the strike would continue until negotiations produce a satisfactory outcome. It also urged students and parents to remain calm.
While the dispute has led to a fresh shutdown in Lagos, another ASUU branch has suspended its strike in Plateau State.
The Plateau State University branch reached an agreement with the state government on issues including the 2025 agreement, outstanding arrears, staff accommodation and other demands. Members are expected to return to academic activities from midnight on September 16.
Meanwhile, ASUU at Taraba State University has issued a fresh 14-day ultimatum to the Taraba State Government. The notice runs from September 14 to September 28 and concerns outstanding provisions of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement.
LASU, LASUED, LASUSTECH Shut as ASUU Begins Indefinite Strike
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