In a bid to ensure that students meet the required educational milestones, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its stance on the 18-year age limit for candidates sitting for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.
This directive was made clear by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’ program.
Mamman emphasized that this policy is not new, but rather a reminder of the existing requirements.
He explained that the age limit is calculated based on the number of years students spend in school, from early child care to senior secondary school, which totals 17 and a half years.
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Therefore, students who have not completed the requisite number of years will not be allowed to write the examinations.
The Minister also clarified that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will admit students below the age of 18 for this year, but from next year, the 18-year age requirement will be strictly enforced.
This move aims to ensure that students are adequately prepared for tertiary education and meet the necessary educational standards.
By enforcing this age limit, the Federal Government hopes to maintain the integrity of the education system and prevent underage students from sitting for exams.
This decision has far-reaching implications for students, parents, and educators, and it is essential to adhere to this policy to ensure the quality of education in Nigeria.
