FG enforces 18-year age limit for secondary school exams, university admissions

The Federal Government is set to enforce the 18-year age limit for students taking secondary school certificate examinations in Nigeria. Education Minister Tahir Mamman announced this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

He stated that both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) have been directed to comply with this mandate.

Additionally, the 18-year age limit for candidates taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) remains in effect.

Starting next year, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will no longer admit underage students into Nigerian universities.

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Minister Mamman clarified that this is not a new policy but a reinforcement of existing regulations. The goal is to ensure students complete the necessary years of schooling before sitting for exams.

According to Mamman, the standard educational trajectory—spanning early childhood education, primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary school—totals approximately 17.5 years, supporting the 18-year age requirement.

He further emphasized that this year will serve as a notice period for parents, allowing underage students to take exams.

However, from next year, all candidates must meet the 18-year age requirement to gain university admission in Nigeria.