The Nigerian government has announced that only candidates aged 18 and above will be allowed to sit for WAEC, NECO, and other examinations required for tertiary institution admission. Education Minister Tahir Mamman emphasized that this policy will be strictly enforced starting next year.
The Minister explained that this rule has long been in place but will now be rigorously implemented. Starting from next year, no student will be admitted into any Nigerian university unless they meet the required age of 18. This includes the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by JAMB.
The Federal Government’s decision ensures that students spend the proper number of years in primary, junior, and senior secondary school before sitting for exams. Underage students will no longer be allowed to take WAEC or NECO exams unless they have completed the necessary education cycle.