Primary school education has undergone changes over the years, from 7 to 6 to 5 years, often due to parental pressure. Now, parents are rushing their children to get to primary 1 at just 4 years old, expecting them to complete primary education by 8 years old. This rush to adulthood can have severe consequences on a child's mental and psychological growth.
Parents are so eager to advance their children's education that they often bypass crucial stages of development. They may even push for double promotion, skipping primary 5 altogether. This can lead to children entering junior secondary school (JSS1) at just 10 years old and sitting for exams like BECE or junior NECO at 11 or 12. By 14, they may be in university, unprepared for the challenges of higher education.
This accelerated education can result in children struggling to cope with academic and social pressures. They may start lying about their age, keeping secrets from their parents, and becoming prey to those who would take advantage of their naivety. Most children who experience this rushed education struggle with identity, responsibility, and decision-making.
The accepted age of childhood ends at 15, and by 16, children enter adolescence. At 18, they are considered young adults, and by 21, they are fully mature. This natural progression allows for proper development and preparation for adulthood.
However, when children are rushed through education, they may graduate at 18, unprepared for the world. They may struggle with frustration, confusion, and disappointment. Parents often blame the government and system for their child's struggles, but it is essential to recognize the role we play in pushing our children too hard.
Educational policies are designed by experts, including educationists and psychologists, to ensure children receive a well-rounded education. Parents must resist peer pressure and allow their children to grow and develop naturally. We must prioritize their mental growth, letting them find themselves and build their unique personalities.
Let us not push our children into adulthood too quickly. Instead, let us guide them, support them, and allow them to mature at their own pace. May God bless and guide us as parents, and may our children grow into capable, confident, and compassionate individuals.
