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WAEC and NECO Exams Not for under 18 — Minister
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has clarified that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) are not for under eighteen-year-old candidates in secondary schools to sit for.
Prof Mamman disclosed this when he appeared on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’ programme on Sunday night.
He stressed that both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) must now enforce an 18-year age limit for candidates taking the WASSCE and SSCE exams, respectively.
The minister also clarified that this is not a new policy but a reinforcement of existing regulations.
His words: “It is 18 (years). What we did at the meeting that we had with JAMB (in July) was to allow this year and for it to serve as a kind of notice for parents that this year, JAMB will admit students who are below that age but from next year, JAMB is going to insist that anybody applying to go to university in Nigeria meets the required age which is 18
he minister also clarified that this is not a new policy but a reinforcement of existing regulations.
His words: “It is 18 (years). What we did at the meeting that we had with JAMB (in July) was to allow this year and for it to serve as a kind of notice for parents that this year, JAMB will admit students who are below that age but from next year, JAMB is going to insist that anybody applying to go to university in Nigeria meets the required age which is 18.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this is not a new policy; this is a policy that has been there for a long time.
“Even basically if you compute the number of years pupils, and learners are supposed to be in school, the number you will end up with is 17 and a half – from early child care to primary school to junior secondary school and then senior secondary school. You will end up with 17 and a half by the time they are ready for admission.
“So, we are not coming up with new policy contrary to what some people are saying; we are just simply reminding people of what is existing. In any case, NECO and WAEC, henceforth, will not be allowing underage children to write their examinations.
In other words, if somebody has not spent the requisite number of years in that particular level of study, WAEC and NECO will not allow them to write the examination.”
The minister also stated that the age limit for candidates taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), remains set at 18 years.
News
IGP Disu Wears New DIGs Insignia
Disu, during the ceremony today urged the new Deputy Inspectors-General of Police to uphold discipline, integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
• IGP Tunji Disu
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu has decorated the newly promoted senior officers at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja .
Disu, during the ceremony today urged the new Deputy Inspectors-General of Police to uphold discipline, integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
He said the elevation to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police was not merely the wearing of new insignia but a recognition of years of dedicated service and a call to greater responsibility in the leadership of the force.
Disu emphasised that the rank represents one of the highest levels of professional trust within the police and demands wisdom, courage and a strong commitment to justice and service.
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BREAKING: Court of Appeal Upholds Federal High Court Ruling Halting PDP’s Ibadan National Convention
In a major ruling that deepens the ongoing leadership crisis in Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court restraining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its controversial National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15-16, 2025.
A three-member panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Mohammed Danjuma, delivered a unanimous judgment on Monday dismissing the appeal filed by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the PDP.
The court upheld the October 31, 2025, ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, which barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing, validating, or accepting the outcome of the Ibadan convention.
The Appeal Court held that the PDP’s decision to proceed with the convention violated key provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC’s guidelines on party primaries and conventions, and the PDP’s own Constitution.
It emphasized that the Federal High Court’s intervention was justified to prevent illegality and to protect the rights of excluded delegates from over 14 states where congresses had not yet been conducted.
The panel further criticized INEC for failing to adequately monitor the party’s processes as required by law. In a related aspect of the judgment, a fine of ₦2 million was imposed on the Turaki-led faction.
Rejecting arguments from the appellants that the matter was purely an intra-party affair outside judicial jurisdiction, the Court of Appeal ruled that violations of constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act, or a political party’s constitution confer jurisdiction on the courts.
This decision marks the first in a series of nine consolidated appeals stemming from the PDP’s protracted internal crisis, which pits the Turaki faction against a rival caretaker leadership aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and headed by Abdulrahman Mohammed.
The appeals challenge multiple Federal High Court rulings that halted the Ibadan convention and recognized the caretaker committee.
The ruling represents a significant victory for the Wike-aligned faction and could have far-reaching implications for the PDP’s leadership structure, upcoming elections, and INEC’s recognition of the party’s national officers.
Further judgments in the remaining appeals are expected later today or in the coming days as the Court of Appeal continues its sittings on the consolidated cases.
The PDP has yet to issue an official reaction, though sources indicate the Turaki faction may pursue further appeals to the Supreme Court.
News
IWD: My greatest investments are my three daughters – Otedola
Tolani is a singer, Florence a renowned disc jockey and Temi is an actress and fashion blogger.
“My greatest investments are my three daughters who make me proud every day. Happy International Women’s Day my angels,” wrote the billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola.
His three daughters are Tolani, Florence (DJ Cuppy) and Temi.
The Chairman of First Holdco Plc stated this in an X post on Sunday to commemorate International Women’s Day.
The billionaire’s daughters are high flyers in various areas of personal endeavour. Tolani is a singer, Florence a renowned disc jockey and Temi is an actress and fashion blogger.
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