Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Education has clarified that under-18 students are still permitted to take the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.

The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, addressed the issue during an event in Abuja marking the 2024 International Literacy Day.

Dr. Sununu expressed disappointment over the misconceptions stemming from comments by Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman. He clarified that Mamman’s remarks were intended to address the age of entry into tertiary institutions under the 6-3-3-4 education system, and not to impose age restrictions on secondary school examinations.

Dr. Sununu further explained that while exceptions can be made for exceptionally talented students, the general rule still allows students of various ages to sit for WAEC and NECO. He emphasized that the idea that these examinations are restricted to students aged 18 and older is a misinterpretation.