The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students registering for their O’Level examinations, despite a recent review of admission requirements into tertiary institutions.
The clarification came amid widespread confusion and speculation that the two core subjects had been removed from the list of mandatory requirements for certain courses in universities and polytechnics.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Education, the government emphasized that the newly streamlined admission policy does not exempt any student from registering or sitting for the two foundational subjects.
The statement, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, explained that the ministry decided to issue the clarification following the “misinterpretation and misinformation” that trailed the new O’Level admission framework being implemented across the country.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the reform was designed to make admission into higher institutions more inclusive, flexible, and fair to students from different academic backgrounds.
According to him, the goal is to ensure that capable students are not denied access to tertiary education due to deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their chosen fields of study.
“The streamlining ensures that deserving students are not denied access to higher education due to credit deficiencies in subjects that are not directly relevant to their chosen fields of study,” Alausa explained.
Dr. Alausa further noted that the reviewed framework aligns with global best practices and helps to correct imbalances in the previous system.
He clarified that while some institutions may now offer programmes where a credit pass in Mathematics or English Language is not a requirement for admission, all candidates must still register and sit for both subjects during their Senior School Certificate Examinations.
“All students must continue to take both subjects as part of their Senior School Certificate Examinations, as they remain vital components of a sound educational foundation,” the statement partly read.
The ministry stressed that the reform supports the Federal Government’s broader objectives of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, while maintaining the quality and integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
It added that the policy aims to balance fairness with excellence, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to pursue higher education without unnecessary barriers.
Finally, the ministry urged students, parents, and other education stakeholders to rely only on verified information from its official communication channels and social media platforms to avoid confusion.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to building a credible, inclusive, and globally competitive education system anchored on integrity, excellence, and equal opportunity for all learners.
Earlier reports suggesting that students in arts and humanities would no longer need Mathematics for university admission were therefore described as false and misleading, as both English and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects at the O’Level stage.