FG Didn’t Stop Under-18 Candidates From Writing WASSCE, NECO- Minister

The Minister of State for Education on Friday refuted claims that it has stopped students under the age of 18 from sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.

Dr. Yusuf Sununu, Minister of State for Education, clarified the matter in Abuja on Friday during an event marking the 2024 International Literacy Day.

Sununu addressed the public misconception that arose after Education Minister Tahir Mamman’s August 25th statement, which was mistakenly interpreted as a ban on underage students from taking these exams.

Sununu explained that Minister Mamman’s comments were about maintaining the 18-year entry age into tertiary institutions, in line with the 6:3:3:4 education system.

He emphasized that the ministry is reviewing guidelines on university admissions for underage students, particularly in cases where universities admitted children as young as 10, 11, and 12 years old.

While acknowledging that exceptions exist for highly gifted students, Sununu reiterated that no blanket rule has been imposed preventing students under 18 from writing WASSCE, NECO, or other exams.

He called the misunderstanding a “misrepresentation” of the government’s position.