Atiku Criticizes Federal Age Limit Policy for NECO and WAEC Exams

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the federal government’s new policy that sets an age limit of 18 years for candidates wishing to take the NECO and WAEC exams. In an interview on August 28, Atiku described the policy as “Stone Age” and criticized it as outdated and discriminatory.

The policy, recently announced by Education Minister Tahir Mamman, prohibits individuals under 18 from sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO) and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams. The aim, according to the minister, is to regulate and standardize the examination process.

Atiku argued that the policy undermines intellectual freedom and access to education, particularly affecting talented and gifted students. He stated that the policy could hinder access to scholarships and violate the principle of educational autonomy within Nigeria’s federal system. He called for a review of the policy and emphasized the need for mechanisms to identify and support gifted students regardless of their age.