The Federal Government has officially barred individuals under 18 from participating in the National Examinations Council (NECO) and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams. This policy was confirmed by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during an appearance on Channels Television’s “Sunday Politics.”

Mamman clarified that both WAEC, which administers the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), and NECO, responsible for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), have been instructed to enforce the 18-year age minimum for candidates.

The minister emphasized that this is not a new policy but a reinforcement of existing regulations. He noted that the age requirement for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), also remains at 18 years.

Mamman stated that while students below 18 may still be admitted this year, starting next year, JAMB will strictly enforce the age limit. He also highlighted that the expected timeline for a student’s educational journey, from early childcare to the end of secondary school, typically results in them being around 17 and a half years old when they are ready for university admission.

He reiterated that NECO and WAEC would no longer allow underage students to take their exams, ensuring that students spend the appropriate amount of time in each level of study before advancing to the next stage.