By Ada Nkong
Rusty students, disconnect, high level of criminality and prostitution have been identified as some of the demerits of the new 18 year age limit policy for WAEC.
Alumni relations officer University of Calabat ,Dr DC Enamhe made the assertion in an interview with our correspondent.
Prostitution, increased school Drop outs and unwanted pregnancies are other possible negative outcomes he
pointed out.
According to Dr Enamhe,” I am alarmed by the limitations placed on our young citizens in Nigeria.Our children are creative, talented, and divergent thinkers, yet the government seems to be caging them in a box”.
He also listed reasons why the age limit would create difficulties.
“Employers demand at least 10 years of work experience, making it hard for fresh graduates to get hired.Again NYSC has an age limit of 30, restricting opportunities for those who started school late”.
” Job openings often have age limits of 40 or 45, and retirement is mandatory at 60, amidst all this, ASUU strikes keep delaying our children’s education, making it difficult for them to meet these expectations”.
According to Enamhe,it is heartbreaking to see our youth facing so many obstacles. When will our children be able to complete their studies without interruptions and meet the expectations set by the government?
He further called on Nigerians to speak up and say NO to this policy adding that we must demand a better future for our youth.
“Our children deserve a chance to succeed without being held back by outdated policies and systemic limitations.
These limitations could be injurious to their mental health”.
He called on the Minister of Education to direct his attention to serious issues bedeviling the educational system rather than creating policies designed to stifle the growth of our children.
“Remember we are yet to bridge the gap in the number of out of school children,Payment of teachers and their welfare.The Minister should direct his attention towards stemming brain drain rather than encouraging it”.
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