The Delta State chapter of Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria, ACNPN, has appealed to the federal government to give more time, before enforcing the 18 years policy for WAEC and NECO candidates.
The Delta State Chairman of ACNPN, Comrade Jude Obiemenyego, who made the appeal in a statement released at Asaba Saturday August 31, noted that whilst the reasons adduced for the planned implementation of the age restriction policy, were not out of place, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, should allow at – least two more years window ” to enable parents, guardians and the students, make necessary psychological, financial and career adjustments plans.”
According to the Indigenous publishers ‘ chairman, the appeal for more time, ” has become imperative, considering the increasing cases of social vices like cultism, drug addiction and cyber crimes amongst the youths, especially teenagers.” He added :” If students who are currently under 18 years, entering SSS 3: by September 9, are abruptly prevented from writing WAEC and NECO May next year (2025) they would be psychologically devastated and become susceptible to negative peer influence, leading to further increase in teenage drug addiction, custism, under age pregnancies and cyber crimes, because their parents and guardians struggling for economic survival amid the spiralling cost of goods and services, won’t have enough time to attend to the eligible WAEC and NECO candidates, who have to wait for extra years, before enrolling for the exams.” Obiemenyego, also commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for insisting on standards in the execution of roads, bridges and other Infrastructural projects in the state. He stated that Governor Oborevwori, has demonstrated strong desire for the execution of long – lasting infrastructural projects and people – driven policies for the past 14 months. ” I want to enjoin Governor Oborevwori, not to relent in his quest for excellence in project execution. He should as a matter of necessity, launch a broad – based Agricultural development programme, that would involve the active participation of the 25 local government councils in the state.”
