ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Nigeria’s Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students sitting for their O’Level examinations, despite recent changes to tertiary admission requirements.
The clarification, issued Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Education, comes amid widespread confusion over a new policy that streamlines admission criteria for universities and polytechnics. Officials emphasized that the reform does not exempt students from registering or sitting for the two core subjects.
Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, said the statement was necessary to correct misinterpretations of the revised O’Level framework. “All students must continue to take both subjects as part of their Senior School Certificate Examinations,” she stated.
Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa explained that the reform was designed to promote fairness and flexibility in higher education admissions. He said the goal is to ensure that capable students are not denied access due to deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their chosen fields.
“The streamlining ensures that deserving students are not blocked from tertiary education because of credit gaps in non-essential subjects,” Alausa said. He added that the policy aligns with global best practices and addresses longstanding imbalances in Nigeria’s admission system.
Under the new framework, institutions may admit candidates into certain programs without requiring credit passes in Mathematics or English, depending on the discipline. However, students are still required to study and sit for both subjects during their O’Level exams.
The ministry stressed that the adjustment affects only admission criteria for specific courses and does not alter the foundational importance of English and Mathematics in secondary education.
Officials said the policy supports the government’s broader goals of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, while maintaining standards of quality and integrity in education.
Parents, students, and education stakeholders were urged to rely solely on official ministry channels and verified social media platforms for accurate updates on reforms and policies.
The clarification follows reports that students in arts and humanities may no longer need a credit in Mathematics for university admission. The ministry emphasized that such exemptions apply only to admission decisions—not to the requirement to take the subject.
