Federal Government Reiterates Mathematics, English, Requirement For O’Level Students Amid Admission Policy Reforms
By Odunuga Yusuf
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated that Mathematics is a compulsory subject for all students taking the O-Level examinations, amidst recent changes to admission requirements for tertiary institutions. This clarification was provided in a press statement by Boriowo Folashade, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, issued on Sunday.
In a reform announced just last Tuesday, Boriowo indicated that credit passes in Mathematics would no longer be a prerequisite for senior secondary school students in the arts and humanities seeking admission into higher education. This decision was made to address the long-standing issue of limited access—an issue that has restricted many qualified candidates from securing admission, as only about 700,000 out of over two million candidates who sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) gain entry into tertiary institutions each year.
However, this policy adjustment sparked controversy among education professionals, with some expressing concerns that it might foster complacency among students and adversely affect their academic performance.
In response to these concerns, Boriowo emphasized in the latest statement that all students must continue to register for and take English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations. The Ministry clarified that while institutions now have the autonomy to admit students without requiring credit in these subjects for certain programs, the obligation to sit for both English and Mathematics in O-Level examinations remains unchanged.
“This adjustment pertains solely to admission criteria. Candidates are still required to take both subjects during their O-Level exams,” Boriowo explained.
She further noted that this realignment of policies reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, asserting that both English and Mathematics are essential for effective communication, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
When questioned about whether this announcement represents a reversal of the Ministry’s earlier stance, Boriowo clarified, “No, there is no U-turn — this is a clarification on the streamlined admission requirements aimed at broadening access to higher education.”
The Ministry of Education has encouraged all stakeholders to rely exclusively on official communication channels for verified updates regarding policy changes.
