The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, revealed a significant change in the country’s examination policies.
The Tinubu administration has now mandated that only individuals aged 18 and above are eligible to sit for the National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams.
This update was shared during Professor Mamman’s appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’ programme. According to Mamman, this policy aims to reaffirm existing regulations rather than introduce new ones.
“The requirement for candidates to be 18 years old for WAEC and NECO exams has always been in place, but we are making it clear once again,” Mamman explained.
WAEC conducts the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), while NECO manages the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
The policy stipulates that NECO and WAEC will no longer accept candidates below the age of 18. This change affects students who are currently in their senior years of secondary school and are preparing for these crucial examinations.
The new age requirement aligns with the general educational timeline for Nigerian students. Typically, students complete their secondary education by the age of 17 or 18. Therefore, this age limit fits the usual educational progress of students.
Mamman elaborated, “If you calculate the standard duration for a child’s education—from early childhood through primary and secondary school—you will find that students are generally around 17 and a half years old by the time they are ready for university.”
In addition to the new age limit for NECO and WAEC, Mamman addressed the age requirement for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which is overseen by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The UTME is a crucial exam for university admissions in Nigeria.
“The age limit for UTME remains at 18 years,” Mamman stated. “During our meeting with JAMB in July, we agreed to allow this year as a grace period for parents.
“This means JAMB will admit students below 18 years old this year, but from next year, the age requirement of 18 will be strictly enforced.”
According to the government, this decision gives parents and students time to adjust to the new regulations. Starting next year, only candidates who are 18 or older will be eligible to take the UTME.
WAEC and NECO exams are critical milestones in the Nigerian education system. They serve as gateways to higher education and are often seen as the culmination of a student’s secondary school experience
WAEC, established in 1952, administers the WASSCE, which is taken by students in West African countries. NECO, founded in 1999, conducts the SSCE for Nigerian students.
Both examinations play a crucial role in shaping the future of students and their opportunities for higher education.
