Banning children under 18 from WAEC and NECO will limit the potential of Nigerian children – Olota

Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege from Olota in Ota, Ogun State, says excluding pupils below 18 from sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will limit the potential of Nigerian children.

Obalanlege made this statement while delivering a goodwill message at the 15th anniversary celebration of Adedokun International Schools on Monday at Iyana-Iyesi Multipurpose, Ota, Ogun State.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, on August 25 announced a decision by the Federal Government to ban students under the age of 18 from sitting for the WASSCE and the National Examinations Council (NECO).

According to Obalanlege, restricting the participation of pupils under the age of 18 in the WAEC and NECO examinations will limit the potential of these children to compete with their peers across the world.

“My advice to the federal government is to follow international best practices rather than limit the potential of our youth,” he said.

Obalanlege said this would help improve the quality of education in the country.

He congratulated Mr. Niyi Adedokun, the founder of Adedokun International Schools, and urged him to establish more schools in the state for the benefit of the residents.

In his response, Adedokun expressed his appreciation to the Olota of Ota and presented him with an award for his assistance to the school in addressing the challenge posed in constructing the buildings.

He urged the public to invest in Ota and its environs, saying Obalanlege was always ready to assist investors.

In his welcoming address, Dr. Mike Fatukasi, the school’s principal, said the school had achieved a significant milestone and achieved excellence in education in celebration of its 15th anniversary.

“As you know, we are ranked 17 out of the top 25 secondary schools in Nigeria this year,” Fatukasi said.

Also, Mrs Patience Evans-Osabuohien, Chairperson of the Parent-Teacher Association of the school at Iyana Campus, urged the Federal Government to reconsider the decision on the age limit.

Evans-Osabuohien urged the federal government not to ban under-18s from entering universities

She said the children could be lured into criminal gangs, increasing crime in the country.

According to the news agency, awards were presented to long-serving staff members and individuals for their contributions to the development of the school.

NAN also reports that the school, which started in September 2009 with 50 students, has opened four additional campuses in Sango-Ota. (NAN)