The Federal Government has announced that underage candidates will no longer be permitted to sit for secondary school leaving examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).
Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman confirmed this directive during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program. He emphasized that the age limit for taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) is 18 years.
Mamman clarified that this is a reinforcement of existing regulations, not a new policy. He explained that this policy ensures that students have spent the requisite years in each educational phase before taking these crucial exams.
The same age requirement applies to the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The policy will be strictly enforced starting next year, ensuring candidates are 18 years old.
Mamman outlined the educational timeline, noting that students typically complete their educational journey by age 17 and a half, aligning with the 18-year minimum age requirement for higher education. This move aims to standardize educational processes and ensure students are adequately prepared for further education.