New Rule: See the Age Requirement Students Must Reach to Take WAEC and NECO Exams
Starting next year, students under the age of 18 will no longer be allowed to sit for exams conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO). This new requirement will also apply to the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), according to a recent announcement by the Federal Government.
Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman explained that this policy aims to ensure candidates meet the age criteria, as determined by existing guidelines. The decision follows a meeting with JAMB, where it was agreed that this year would serve as a transition period. From next year, JAMB will enforce the 18-year age requirement for university admissions.
Mamman clarified that this is not a new policy but a reinforcement of long-standing regulations. He stated that students are expected to complete their educational journey by age 17 and a half, aligning with the years required from early childhood to senior secondary education. Consequently, WAEC and NECO will not permit students who do not meet the age requirement to take their e
xams.
