No Age Restriction On Exams Yet, FG Says —What You Need To Know

No Age Restriction On Exams Yet, FG Says —What You Need To KnowThe federal government has clarified that, contrary to public belief, it has not yet implemented its new education policy aimed at restricting the age for students taking senior school certificate examinations or entering universities.

Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, speaking to reporters in Abuja, emphasized that contrary to rumors, the government has not barred students under the age of 18 from sitting for these exams.

Addressing questions during the 2024 International Literacy Day event, Dr. Sununu explained that the recent comments made by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, were misinterpreted.

On August 25th, Prof. Mamman announced that the Federal Government had directed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) to prevent underage children from taking their exams. However, Dr. Sununu clarified that the Minister was referring to the minimum age for university admission, which is set at 18 years, as outlined in Nigeria’s 6:3:3:4 education system.

Expressing concern over the admission of underage students into universities, Dr. Sununu said the policy is still under review and being refined. He highlighted the surprising cases of students as young as 10, 11, and 12 years old being admitted to universities in Nigeria, which led to further discussions between the government and the National Assembly.

Published by Caleb Alfred