Mixed reactions trail Osun Assembly’s move to peg high school leaving age at 18

By Jamiu Ganiyu

There has been divergent views from experts and education stakeholders in the state since the news of the attempt by Osun State House of Assembly to peg secondary school leaving age at 18 broke out. While some have totally disagreed with such move, other experts have admitted that there is a need for a thorough reform of the country’s educational policy.

Leading the pack of those who feel that the current Nigerian education policy requires review was Prof. Aderemi Ajala, a Professor of Archaeology and Anthropology in the University of Ibadan. The scholar partially agreed with the Osun State House of Assembly speaker but said the entry age should be pegged because there is a need for a standard which must be followed in the country’s education system.

In his words, Prof. Remi Ajala, said, “School leaving age is difficult to control. Since students do not grow at the same pace. A student who repeats classes often may definitely spend more years in school. Such may be over 18 years before leaving secondary school and (s)he cannot be expelled because school is not only meant for only the best brilliant ones. Dull students must also be accommodated at their own pace of learning”

“Some students may be brilliant to have double promotion without any problem. It is convenient for brilliant students in secondary school to skip JS 3 and SS 3. A brilliant student may write JS 3 exam and pass in JS 2. Same can happen in SS 2 where a brilliant student can write SS 3 exam successfully in SS2. In these cases, a brilliant student may leave school conveniently in less than 18 years of age”

“Yes, it is good to restructure our education system based on the biological age of our children to merge maturity with knowledge acquisition. What then needs to be done is pegging primary school admission to only children that are five years old in every October 1st, while secondary school admission is pegged to 10 years, and University and other tertiary admissions age should be 17 years. Admitting age needs be pegged and not school leaving age. This should apply to all levels of education and not only secondary schools”

He urged the government to make education equitably accessible and functional in Osun.

In his own contribution, the Osun State Education Quality Assurance boss and a member of the State Education Management Committee, Dr. Isiaka Owoade said the opinion of the Rt. Hon. Owoeye aligned with the national education policy which set 18 years as the minimum age to graduate from secondary school.

In his words, Owoade said, “eighteen years is the minimum age to graduate from secondary education. That is the national policy of 6:3:3:4. Pupils enter at age 6 and go through 12 years of education. That some parents fast tract (illegally) their children doesn’t change the national policy”, he concluded.

On the other hand, different persons have expressed a contrary opinion to the suggestion of the Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly describing such move as misplace of priority and an attempt by the ruling class to further impoverish the downtrodden since their own wards were attending the best schools in and outside the country.

In his opinion, Mr. Abraham Erinoluwa said pegging school leaving age is not the solution to the unemployment in Nigeria as cited by the Rt. Hon. Owoeye, he said rather school curriculum should be revisited to ensure that secondary school leavers are adequately equipped to do some vocational activities even before further their education.

He reminded Osun Speaker how several private organisations and government agencies set age limit for applicants which has denied many graduates who were qualified for the advertised post the opportunity to earn a living.

While disagreeing with Osun State Assembly Speaker, Samuel Oladoyin said how would such law be implemented when serious-minded parents will not send their children to public schools, he decried the state of all tertiary institutions in the state and called for government attention.

However, the different reactions that have trailed the issue since he made the comment have made the Speaker clear the air on the issue, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye said it was just a suggestion and assured that all views will be articulated once is laid before the parliament for consideration.

Reacting to the outcry generated by the news, Speaker Owoeye in a personally signed release said, his postulation that the House of Assembly should peg the secondary school leaving age at 18 was borne out of genuine concern for the long term development of the state, it’s educational system and their youth.

He appreciated all the stakeholders who have had expressed their support, solidarity, and opinion on how best to formulate the law. He added that the decision of the state parliament on the matter would be in the best interest of the people and according to the wishes of the majority.

(25)

Donate to osun.life Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government. For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in Osun State, we ask you to consider making a modest support to our efforts towards a just and equitable society in Osun State. DONATE NOW

Are you an indigene or resident of Osun? Click to join our WhatsApp group and receive instant news alerts JOIN NOW

To share a story on osun.life: CLICK