No Age Restriction for WAEC, NECO Exams, Education Ministry Clarifies

No Age Restriction for WAEC, NECO Exams, Education Ministry Clarifies

The Federal Ministry of Education has dispelled rumours suggesting that students under the age of 18 have been barred from taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.

Dr Yusuf Sununu, Minister of State for Education, clarified the issue on Friday in Abuja during an event marking the 2024 International Literacy Day (ILD). He addressed public confusion over remarks made by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, regarding the 18-year age limit.

Sununu expressed disappointment over the misinterpretation of the minister’s statement, explaining that it referred to the minimum entry age for tertiary institutions, as per the 6:3:3:4 educational system.

“We were shocked to hear that a university in this country admitted children aged 10, 11, and 12. This is completely wrong,” Sununu said. “While exceptions exist for highly talented students, who may possess adult-level IQs even at ages 6 or 7, these cases are rare. There must be general rules, and the ministry is working on guidelines to identify such talented children.”

He emphasized, “Nobody said children must be 18 before they can write WAEC, NECO, or any other exam. This is a misrepresentation of what was said.”

On the significance of International Literacy Day, Sununu highlighted literacy’s role in promoting peace and socio-economic development. He reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling literacy challenges through the Education for Renewed Hope roadmap (2024-2027), with a focus on youth and adult literacy.

“We must prioritize the role of a learner’s first language in literacy to promote mutual understanding and peace,” he said, adding that well-trained educators must be equipped to teach in local languages.

Prof. Simon Akpama, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult, and Non-formal Education (NMEC), echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of multilingual education in schools.

“Multilingual education fosters peace and cultural respect in our interconnected world,” Akpama said.

UNESCO’s Country Representative, Diallo Abdourahamane, also stressed that literacy is a fundamental human right, essential for building a peaceful and sustainable society.

The theme of this year’s International Literacy Day is “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”