By Anita Otu
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its ban on individuals under the age of 18 from taking the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) exams.
The Minister of Education,Tahir Mamman confirmed this directive during a recent appearance on Channels Television, where he emphasized that the age limit for candidates taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) is 18 years.
Mamman noted that the ban is not a new policy but a reinforcement of an existing rule. He explained that the policy is designed to ensure that students complete the required years in each phase of their education before sitting for any examinations.
The same age requirement he said also applies to the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The Education Boss stressed that the age limit for JAMB candidates is 18 years, and starting next year, the policy will be strictly enforced.
He further explained that if the total number of years students are expected to spend in school is calculated from primary through junior and senior secondary school, it would amount to 17 and a half years, meaning they would be around 17 and a half years old by the time they are ready for university admission.
The Minister warned that moving forward, NECO and WAEC will not permit underage students to take their exams. Adding that if a student has not completed the required years at a particular educational level, they should not be allowed to sit for the WAEC or NECO exams.