The Nigerian Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, has announced new age guidelines for students intending to take national exams like the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). This announcement was made during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program.
Mamman confirmed that starting next year, only candidates aged 18 and above will be permitted to sit for both the NECO and WAEC exams. This move is aimed at ensuring students have spent the appropriate number of years in their education before attempting these exams.
“The Federal Government has instructed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) to comply with the directive,” Mamman stated.
He also clarified that the minimum age requirement for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) remains 18 years. Mamman emphasized that this rule is not new but has been in place for many years. However, the government is now enforcing it more strictly.
In the breakdown, he explained that the normal progression through the school system would have students finishing their secondary education around age 17 and a half, with university admission at age 18. “We are not introducing a new policy,” Mamman explained, “but simply reminding the public of the existing policy and ensuring its enforcement.”
The Minister’s statements are part of a broader effort by the government to ensure students complete the necessary educational stages before proceeding to higher education. From early childcare to senior secondary school, students will be expected to follow the educational timeline strictly, with no shortcuts.
Going forward, NECO and WAEC will no longer accept underage candidates for their exams. This move is expected to bring more structure to the educational system and reduce instances of students entering higher education before they are ready.
