The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister had earlier stated that beginning from 2025, candidates under 18 years would not be allowed to sit for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), a prerequisite for admission to higher institutions.
The policy had sparked arguments in the media spaces, with education stakeholders and parents expressing diverse views about the policy.
At the NCE meeting, Mamman noted that the ministry was working toward establishing guidelines for exceptionally intelligent students who might not fit the age requirement.
“There is a need to clarify the misconceptions surrounding the 18 years age limit for university admissions.
“The ministry is simply emphasising the age requirement for entry into tertiary institutions as outlined in the National Policy on Education, the UBEC Act, and the Education (Minimum) Standards Act 1993.
“It is not about the age for participating in WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or any ordinary level examinations,” he said.
