FG Restricts Under-18s from Taking NECO and WAEC Exams

The Federal Government has banned individuals under 18 from taking NECO and WAEC exams, enforcing an age requirement that aligns with existing educational regulations.

The Federal Government has officially prohibited individuals under 18 years old from sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO) and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams.

This decision was announced by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’ program. He clarified that both WAEC, which administers the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), and NECO, responsible for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), have been directed to enforce the age requirement of 18 years for candidates. Prof. Mamman stressed that this measure is not a new policy but a reinforcement of existing regulations.

The Minister also confirmed that the age limit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), remains set at 18 years. He added, “During our meeting with JAMB in July, we agreed to allow this year as a grace period for parents. Therefore, JAMB will admit students below 18 years old this year, but starting next year, the 18-year age requirement will be strictly enforced for university admissions in Nigeria.”

Prof. Mamman emphasized that this policy corresponds with the typical educational timeline, noting that a child’s progression from early education through secondary school usually culminates at around 17 and a half years old, making them eligible for university admission. He reiterated that NECO and WAEC will no longer permit underage students to take their exams, stating, “Students who have not completed the requisite number of years at the appropriate level of study will not be allowed to sit for these exams.”

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, TRIBUNE