Ministry Clarifies: Under-18 Students Not Barred from WASSCE, NECO Exams

Ministry Clarifies: Under-18 Students Not Barred from WASSCE, NECO Exams

The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that students under 18 years old are not prohibited from taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.

Dr. Yusuf Sununu, Minister of State for Education, made this clear during an event in Abuja marking the 2024 International Literacy Day (ILD).

Responding to questions from journalists, Sununu expressed disappointment over the public misinterpretation of comments made by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, regarding the age of entry into tertiary institutions. Sununu emphasized that the minister’s remarks were about the 18-year entry age into universities under the 6:3:3:4 education system.

“We are not stopping students from writing WAEC or NECO at any age,” Sununu clarified, addressing the misconception. He added that while a few exceptionally gifted children might qualify for university earlier, the ministry is working on guidelines to identify such cases.

On the occasion of International Literacy Day, Sununu highlighted the importance of literacy in promoting mutual understanding, peace, and socio-economic development. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling literacy challenges through the Education for Renewed Hope roadmap (2024-2027), emphasizing youth and adult literacy.

Prof. Simon Akpama, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult, and Non-Formal Education, echoed the need for multilingual education to enhance peace and cultural respect. UNESCO’s Country Representative, Mr. Diallo Abdourahamane, also stressed literacy as a fundamental human right.

This year’s ILD theme is “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”