NUT criticizes FG ban on under-18 students sitting WAEC and NECO exams

Nigerian teachers, represented by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), have criticized the Federal Government’s recent decision to bar candidates under 18 from sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council (NECO) exams.

On Monday, Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman announced the new policy setting 18 as the minimum age for secondary school leaving exams, including those administered by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO). The policy also stipulates that candidates must be 18 to take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) managed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Dr. Mike Ene, NUT Secretary-General, argued that the policy is impractical due to societal changes like early enrollment in crèches driven by economic factors. He suggested that such a policy should start from primary school if it is to be effective. Ene also highlighted the policy’s potential negative impact on exceptional students who may be ready for exams before reaching 18 and warned of possible legal challenges.

Education Minister Mamman had previously stated that the age requirement aligns with the standard educational trajectory, noting that students typically turn 18 by the time they are ready for university admission.