The Minister of State for Education, Yussuf Sununu, has refuted claims that there is an age limit for candidates taking secondary school exams such as the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) exams.
Speaking at the International Literacy Day ministerial briefing in Abuja on Friday, Sununu clarified that no such restriction exists. He also noted that exceptions may be made for younger students applying to federal higher institutions if they are deemed exceptional, based on criteria currently being developed by the ministry.
This comes after the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, recently stated that individuals under 18 years would no longer be allowed to take NECO and WAEC exams, with the Federal Government directing both bodies to enforce this requirement. The statement sparked reactions, with many Nigerians criticizing the proposed policy.
However, Sununu addressed these concerns, explaining that the public had misinterpreted Prof. Mamman’s remarks. He clarified that the age requirement mentioned was related to university entry, which will take effect in 2025, not to WAEC or NECO exams.
“No one mentioned an age limit for WAEC or NECO exams,” Sununu said. “People inferred that, but our focus was solely on the age for university admission.”