FG Considers Exemption for Gifted Children Concerning Under-18 WAEC Ban

The Federal Government is considering allowing exceptionally gifted students under 18 to take the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and NECO exams despite the age ban, and has pledged to upgrade the Federal Government Academy in Suleja to better support gifted education.

The Federal Government is considering exempting exceptionally gifted students under the age of 18 from the ban on underage candidates taking the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examination Council (NECO) exams.

During a visit to the Federal Government Academy in Suleja, also known as the National School for the Gifted, on Thursday, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, suggested the possibility of such exemptions, accompanied by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu.

This consideration comes amid ongoing debates about Mamman’s directive that examination bodies should not allow underage candidates to take secondary school leaving exams. The Minister indicated that guidelines would be developed to define the criteria for “gifted children” who might be allowed to sit for the exams despite the age restriction.

Addressing whether the 18-year age limit would apply to schools for highly intelligent students, Mamman responded, “It may not, and we are going to develop criteria to guide what we will call Gifted children.”

In addition, the Minister announced a two-week extension of the resumption date for students of the Federal Government Academy, Suleja, due to ongoing renovations. He stressed that students would not be allowed to return to an environment that was not conducive to learning, postponing their resumption from September 8th to September 18th, pending completion of the renovations.

“We cannot have these young children here while work is ongoing,” Mamman stated, citing issues with plumbing, showers, and water facilities as reasons for the delay.

Expressing concern over the state of the school, Mamman pledged the government’s commitment to upgrading the institution to meet its intended standards, highlighting its unique role in educating students with special abilities.

“This is the only school of its kind in the country designed for students who demonstrate special aptitude and capacity,” he noted. “To showcase the school appropriately, we need the necessary supportive infrastructure and a suitable academic environment.”

Mamman acknowledged that maintenance has been a challenge and while some progress has been made, the school has not yet reached the desired standard. He praised the principal for her efforts with limited resources and emphasized the importance of free education at the institution, unlike other schools that charge fees.

“We will provide massive support to elevate and bring the school up to the standard it’s supposed to be,” Mamman assured, highlighting the broader issue of infrastructure decay in schools across Nigeria and the need for significant improvements to create environments where students want to learn and socialize.

The Minister also expressed satisfaction with the newly established skills acquisition center at the school, which aligns with the new direction for education in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of equipping students with skills from the foundation level to senior secondary school to help them develop practical trades and determine their career pathways, ensuring they are not left without options after graduation.

READ ALSO: WAEC, NECO Age Requirement Policy Will Set Education Sector Backwards – SSANU

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, TRIBUNE