Education Minister Tahir Mamman announced that underage candidates will no longer be allowed to take the WAEC and NECO examinations in Nigeria. The Federal Government mandates an 18-year age limit for secondary school leaving exams, emphasizing compliance with established educational policies to ensure students meet age requirements.
In a recent statement on Channels Television's Sunday Politics, Education Minister Tahir Mamman announced that underage candidates will no longer be permitted to take secondary school leaving examinations in Nigeria. This directive applies to the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) administered by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) overseen by the National Examinations Council (NECO). The Federal Government has established an age limit of 18 years for any candidate wishing to sit for these exams.
Mamman also reiterated that the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will adhere to the same age requirement. He explained that while JAMB would allow some underage students to apply this year, starting next year, the board will enforce the 18-year age limit strictly.
The minister clarified that this is not a new policy but rather a reaffirmation of existing regulations. He emphasized the importance of a structured educational timeline, noting that pupils typically spend around 17 and a half years in school, beginning with early childhood education at age 3 and progressing through various educational stages until university entry at 18.
Under this new directive, WAEC and NECO will ensure that candidates who have not completed the required years of schooling will be barred from participating in their examinations, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining educational standards in Nigeria.
