18 YEARS FOR UNIVERSITY ENTRY: UNIVERSITY IS FOR ADULTS, NOT FOR CHILDREN

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UNIVERSITY IS FOR ADULTS, NOT FOR CHILDREN

Prof. Mamman Tahir, the Minister of Education, stating what we all know but have refused to comply with, has now been turned into a debate by those who do not quite understand the implications of sending children, instead of adults to tertiary institutions.

It's not a debate. It's our National Policy On Education. It's called the 6-3-3-4 system. 


Let me explain it as one with over 40 years experience in all levels of education. Children have a lot to learn at home before being sent off to Primary School for formal education. My personal opinion had been, and still is that, sending a child away from home BEFORE the age of three, is child abuse.


You may decide to send your baby early to Nursery. The child starts Nursery 1 at 3 years, Nursery 2 at 4 years, Transition at 5 years. This means the child starts primary school at 6 years of age. The child spends 6 years and finishes when s/he is  12 years old. 


S/he goes to Secondary school at 12. Spends 3 years for Junior secondary school and another 3 years for Senior Secondary school. Now 18 years of age, and an adult, s/he is ready for university. University is for Adults. Not for children. 


In our National Policy On Education, the 6-3-3-4 System, has adequate provisions made for Gifted children as well as those with Learning Difficulties. 


Skills Acquisition is also, a great aspect of the National Policy on Education. After JS 3, Not all students would go the academic route to become graduates. Many, would acquire SKILLS in Bricklaying, Welding, Carpentry,  Painting, Fishery, Ranching, etc. My experience in the UK shows that these ones who go the Skills way, go on to earn a lot more than their friends who went to the universities to become Doctors, Lawyers, etc. 


The current practice of churning out intellectual children who have not grown, who are still very much emotionally immature, who have no minds of their own and still hugely dependent on whatever mummy/daddy says, is a huge problem. Children who do not have Lifeskills nor Independent Living Skills, cannot be nation-builders.


The five objectives of the philosophy of Nigerian Education, as stated in the policy document are as follows:

1. A free and democratic society;

2. A just and egalitarian society;

3. A united, strong and self-reliant nation;

4. A great and dynamic economy;

5. A land of bright and full opportunities for all citizens.

I do not see how children can contribute to any of the above. 


If we implement fully, this National Policy On Education, many of our National puzzles would be solved, naturally. 


We must therefore, support this bold move to Restructure our educational system. That is the restructuring, everyone should be clamouring for.

God bless Nigeria. 


Lauretta Onochie

X : @Laurestar

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