The Federal Government has announced that exceptionally intelligent children under 18 may be permitted to take the West African Secondary School Certificate Examinations, WASSCE, and the National Examinations Council, NECO, exams.
This revelation was made by Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during a visit to the Federal Government Academy, Suleja, on Thursday.
Mamman explained that specific criteria will be developed to identify these gifted children, addressing questions about the new education policy that imposes age limits on WASSCE and NECO candidates.
In addition, Mamman, alongside Minister of State for Education Dr. Tanko Sununu, announced a two-week extension of the resumption date for Federal Government Academy, Suleja due to ongoing renovations.
“The resumption, initially scheduled for September 8, will now be delayed until September 18, barring any unforeseen issues. The extension is necessary to ensure that the school environment is conducive to learning, as current renovations have affected facilities such as plumbing and water systems”, he stated.
The Minister also expressed commitment to upgrading the school to meet its intended standards, noting that it is the only institution of its kind in Nigeria designed for students with exceptional capabilities.
He emphasized the need for improved infrastructure and maintenance, acknowledging that the school has made some progress but still falls short of expectations.
Mamman praised the newly structured skills acquisition center at the school, highlighting it as part of a broader effort to integrate skills training from foundational to senior secondary education. This initiative aims to equip students with practical skills for their future careers, reducing the likelihood of them being unprepared after completing their secondary education.
