Dr. Emmanuel Ahmadu, a Nigerian graduate and mental health advocate, has called on the Federal Government to reconsider its recent policy that restricts students under the age of 18 from sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
Ahmadu, who famously failed the WASSCE 17 times before eventually succeeding, believes that the age restriction could have negative consequences. He argued that while the policy aims to ensure that students are mature enough to handle these exams, it risks excluding those who are academically prepared but do not meet the age requirement.
He suggested that a more individualized approach would be more effective, allowing students to be assessed based on their readiness rather than their age. Ahmadu, who is now a mental health advocate in the U.S., shared his personal experiences of overcoming significant educational challenges, including family instability, which led to his repeated failures.
He emphasized that the rigidity of the Nigerian educational system often leaves little room for students facing unique challenges, advocating for policies that are more supportive and flexible to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.