Age Limit for WASSCE/NECO Exams, Nigeria’s Education Minister Clarifies

Nigeria’s Education Minister Clarifies Age Limit for WASSCE and NECO Exams

The Nigerian government has officially clarified that there is no age limit for WASSCE/NECO exams, allowing students under the age of 18 to participate in these national assessments. Minister of State for Education, Tanko Sununu, addressed the widespread misinformation, which incorrectly suggested that students younger than 18 were barred from taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.

Speaking during the 2024 International Literacy Day event in Abuja, Sununu emphasized that the confusion arose from a misunderstanding of remarks attributed to Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Maman. The misinformation originated from discussions on the National Policy, which recommends that students reach the age of 18 before entering tertiary institutions under Nigeria’s 6:3:3:4 educational system. However, Sununu clarified that this policy has no impact on the age limit for WASSCE/NECO exams.

Sununu explained the educational system, noting that children typically begin primary school at six, spend three years in Junior Secondary School (JSS), another three in Senior Secondary School (SSS), and ideally reach the age of 18 before enrolling in a university. He made it clear that younger students are not restricted from taking WASSCE/NECO exams under this structure.

The minister’s comments were also aimed at addressing concerns about the admission of underage students—some as young as 10—into universities. He described such practices as inappropriate for the psychological well-being of young children.

“It was shocking to learn that universities in Nigeria were admitting children as young as 10, 11, and 12. This is completely inappropriate,” Sununu remarked.

Despite these concerns, Sununu acknowledged that some children display extraordinary intelligence and may be equipped to handle university-level education at an earlier age. The ministry is working on establishing guidelines to help identify and nurture such gifted students without compromising their development. However, this does not affect the no age limit for WASSCE/NECO exams, which remains firmly in place.

At the event, Sununu also reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to improving literacy rates by promoting multilingual education. He stressed the importance of teaching students in their mother tongues to enhance learning outcomes and foster social and economic development. The initiative aims to celebrate literacy as a vital tool for empowering individuals, communities, and societies.

International Literacy Day, celebrated on September 8 annually, focuses on raising awareness of the importance of literacy for individuals and society at large. Sununu’s message emphasized the role of education in creating a more inclusive and peaceful world.

By confirming the no age limit for WASSCE/NECO exams, Nigeria’s Ministry of Education hopes to dispel any lingering misunderstandings and ensure that all eligible students can sit for these vital assessments without restriction.