Breaking News: FG Implements Age Restriction for WAEC, NECO Exams
In a sweeping new measure, the Federal Government has enforced an age restriction, barring students under 18 from sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO) and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams. This policy, aimed at ensuring students are adequately prepared, was announced by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, during a live interview on Channels Televisionβs βSunday Politics.β
The directive mandates that only candidates who are 18 years or older can take the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) organized by NECO and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) conducted by WAEC. The government has made it clear that this age threshold is non-negotiable.
Professor Mamman emphasized that this is not a sudden shift in policy but rather an enforcement of existing regulations. “We are simply upholding a rule that has been in place for years. By the time a student completes the standard academic journeyβfrom early childhood education through to senior secondary schoolβthey should naturally be around 17 and a half years old. So, it stands to reason that 18 years is a reasonable minimum age for these crucial exams,” he explained.
The Minister also reiterated that the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), managed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), will maintain its 18-year age requirement for university admissions. This year serves as a grace period, allowing students under 18 to sit for the UTME, but come next year, the age limit will be strictly enforced.
To clear any doubts, Professor Mamman stated, “This isnβt a new policy. Weβre merely reminding everyone that the rules are being enforced. Moving forward, NECO and WAEC will not permit underage students to sit for their exams. If a student hasnβt completed the necessary years of schooling, they wonβt be allowed to participate.”
This decisive action by the Federal Government underscores the importance of ensuring that students are both academically and emotionally ready for these significant exams, aligning with global standards and practices.
