The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially declared that candidates under the age of 18 will no longer be permitted to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), in addition to that placed for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) beginning in 2025.
This directive, emphasized by Minister of Education Tahir Mamman during an interview on Channels Television, aims to ensure that students meet the required age and have the appropriate educational foundation before advancing to tertiary institutions.
The Minister confirmed that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) have been instructed to enforce the 18-year age limit strictly.
Additionally, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will enforce the age requirement for the UTME, with this year serving as the final exception for candidates under 18.
Mamman clarified that the decision is not a new policy but rather a reinforcement of existing regulations.
He outlined the educational trajectory that should naturally culminate in students being 18 years old by the time they are ready for university admission.
Starting from early child care, through six years of primary education, followed by three years each in junior and senior secondary school, students should be approximately 17 and a half years old when they complete their secondary education.
“We are not introducing a new policy,” Mamman stated. “This age limit has always been in place, and we are now ensuring its full implementation. NECO and WAEC will no longer allow underage candidates to sit for their exams, ensuring that all students have completed the requisite number of years at each level of study.”
The Minister’s announcement has sparked discussions among educators, parents, and students, as it significantly impacts the timelines and planning for students’ educational journeys.
However, the Federal Government maintains that this measure is necessary to align with global best practices and to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the challenges of higher education.
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