The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yussuf Sununu, has debunked rumors regarding the imposition of an age limit for candidates taking secondary school exam like the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) exams.
Speaking at an event marking the 2024 International Literacy Day (ILD), Sununu empasised that the statement made by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, was misinterpreted.
He further noted that exceptional underage students applying to federal higher institutions may be considered based on developing criteria.
However, the Minister of Education’s comments sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians criticising the policy.
Addressing these concerns, Sununu clarified that Prof. Mamman’s statement had been misunderstood, explaining that the 18-year age requirement only applies to entry into tertiary institutions, and is set to take effect in 2025.
“Nobody among the two of us stated anything about age foe WAEC, NECO examinations, that was not mentioned.
“But people just implied to say that this is what it means. All we mentioned is about age of entry or admission into the university,” Sununu said.
