The Federal Government has announced plans to establish guidelines regarding the 18-year age limit for university admissions, while clarifying that it is not applicable to students taking WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or any other ordinary-level examinations.
Speaking at the 68th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, emphasised the need to address misconceptions about the policy.
The theme of the meeting was “Innovation, Digital Technology and Entrepreneurship: Tools for Education and National Development in the 21st Century.”
Prof. Mamman explained that the 18-year age limit pertains to university admissions, in line with the National Policy on Education, the UBEC Act, and the Education (Minimum) Standards Act of 1993.
However, he acknowledged that the government will create guidelines to accommodate exceptionally intelligent students who do not meet the age requirement.
“There is a need to clarify the misconceptions surrounding the 18-year age limit for university admissions,” Mamman said. “The Ministry will work out a guideline to deal with cases of genuinely exceptionally intelligent learners.”
This clarification follows widespread debate after an earlier statement in July that starting in 2025, candidates under 18 years of age would not be allowed to take the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), a requirement for university admission.
Meanwhile, the Minister announced that a new curriculum for basic and senior secondary education will be rolled out this October, aiming to integrate knowledge, skills, and values to prepare students for productive lives.
Dr. Yusuf Sununu Tanko, Minister of State for Education, also stressed the importance of nurturing the creative potential of young Nigerians, encouraging students to transform ideas into income-generating ventures for job creation.
The NCE session’s recommendations will be compiled into a communiqué at the end of the meeting.
