The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, visiting the Federal Government Academy in Abuja, also known as the National School for the Gifted, mentioned that the government is thinking about allowing very smart students under 18 to take exams like the WASSCE and NECO even if they are younger than the usual age requirement.
When asked about this possibility at a school that focuses on nurturing talented students, the Minister replied, “It may not [apply], and we are going to develop criteria to guide what we will call gifted children.”
Prof. Mamman shared that students at the Federal Government Academy, Suleja, will now start school two weeks later than planned because the school is still undergoing renovations.
Instead of resuming on September 8 as initially scheduled, students are now asked to come back on September 18, unless there are unexpected problems.
The Minister highlighted that it’s important for students to return to a school environment that is conducive for learning, and since the school is still being worked on, the delay is necessary.
Prof. Mamman stated, “We cannot have these young children here when there is work ongoing. The plumbing facilities, showers, water, and everything are a bit unstructured due to the ongoing work, so the facility needs to be ready.
“This is the only school of its kind in the country where we are supposed to assemble students who demonstrate special attitude and capacity for special training.
He added, “What we have seen doesn’t really answer our expectations, but we are going to come in with massive support to elevate the school to the standard it should be.”
