There is a new age restriction for WAEC and NECO candidates and it is causing controversy. While some students are already at the final year in Secondary school at the age of 15 years, the Nigerian government is saying they will have to wait till they are 18 years to finish their secondary education.
The government recent decision to impose an 18-year age restriction on students taking the NECO and WAEC exams has ignited widespread outrage.
Recently, the Education Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced that the federal government instructed WAEC, which administers the WASSCE, and NECO, which organises the SSCE, to enforce the new age limit.
This directive requires candidates to be at least 18 years old to be eligible for the examinations.
Mamman confirmed that the age limit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) administered by JAMB also remains at 18 years.
He explained that JAMB would admit students under 18 this year as a notice to parents.
“However, starting next year, JAMB will enforce the age requirement strictly.
“This policy is not new but a reminder of existing regulations,” he explained.
He argued that Nigeria’s education system’s structure would lead students to be about 17 and a half years old by the time they are ready for university.
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He added: “NECO and WAEC will no longer allow students who have not completed the required years of study to sit for their exams”.
Parents and education stakeholders have criticised the policy, arguing it will hinder students’ academic progress and limit their future opportunities.
They expressed frustration over the perceived unfairness and potential disruption caused by the new regulation.
John Akaa, a parent from Lugbe, Abuja, highlighted that the policy’s drawbacks.
Controversy On The WAEC Age Restriction
“The restriction based on age rather than readiness and performance might impede the academic advancement of many students.”
Educationist Collins Agatha argued that the “age restrictions should apply to JAMB rather than WAEC and NECO”.
He expressed concern that the policy would negatively impact students’ academic futures and suggested that “such rules should be implemented at the entry level, not during senior classes”.
