FG Enforces 18-Year Age Limit for WAEC and NECO Exams 

Students In Class

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that only individuals aged 18 and above will be allowed to take the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. This was revealed by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during an interview on Channels Television’s “Sunday Politics. 

Age Limit Now Strictly Enforced 

Prof. Mamman explained that this is not a new policy, but the government is now taking steps to ensure it is strictly enforced. The 18-year age limit will apply to students taking the Senior School Certificate Examinations organized by WAEC and NECO. 

Existing Rule for JAMB 

The minister also mentioned that the age limit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams will continue to be 18 years. He added that this year will serve as a grace period for students under 18, but starting next year, JAMB will not allow anyone below 18 to apply for university admission. 

WAEC and NECO will not be allowing underage children to write their examinations. In other words, if somebody has not spent the requisite number of years in that level of study, WAEC and NECO will not allow them to write the examination.” — Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education 

The Federal Government’s enforcement of the 18-year age limit for WAEC and NECO exams underscores its commitment to maintaining academic standards. Parents and students are advised to adhere to this policy, ensuring that students complete the required years of schooling before attempting these crucial examinations.