The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all candidates registering for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), despite recent adjustments to tertiary admission requirements.
The clarification followed widespread public debate after the Ministry of Education announced on October 14 that Mathematics would no longer be mandatory for admission into Arts and Humanities programmes in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
In a new statement released on Sunday, October 19, the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, explained that the revised admission guidelines only affect entry requirements for certain programmes and do not exempt any student from registering or sitting for English and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations.
“All students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations. The adjustment affects only admission criteria for certain programmes, not the requirement to take these subjects,” the statement clarified.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, noted that the reform was introduced to modernise Nigeria’s education system and make tertiary admissions more inclusive. According to him, the new policy ensures that capable students are not denied admission due to deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their chosen fields of study.
“This reform promotes flexibility, inclusiveness, and fairness in tertiary education admissions. It aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to equity, human capital development, and access to learning opportunities for all,” Alausa said.
He emphasized that while English and Mathematics remain vital for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning, tertiary institutions now have the discretion to determine whether a credit pass in Mathematics is compulsory for specific Arts and Humanities programmes.
Responding to speculation that the clarification represented a policy reversal, Boriowo explained that it was merely a restatement of the streamlined policy, not a change. “It is not a reversal; it is a clarification on the streamlined admission requirements to expand access to tertiary education,” she said.
The ministry urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely solely on official government communication channels for verified information, warning against misinformation.
Under the new National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, English Language remains compulsory for all programmes, while Mathematics is mandatory for Science, Technology, and Social Science fields. For Arts and Humanities, Mathematics is no longer a required subject for admission but must still be taken during O-Level examinations.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to building a credible, inclusive, and globally competitive education system that balances quality with accessibility, ensuring every Nigerian student has a fair chance to learn and succeed.