FG Reaffirms Mathematics as Compulsory O-Level Subject Despite New Admission Policy

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that Mathematics remains a compulsory subject for all students sitting for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), despite recent adjustments to admission requirements for Arts and Humanities programmes in tertiary institutions.

This clarification was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Boriowo Folashade.

The ministry explained that while the new policy allows tertiary institutions to admit candidates into certain programmes without a mandatory credit pass in Mathematics, every student must still register and sit for the subject during their O-Level examinations.

“All students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations,” the statement read.

Folashade emphasized that the recent reform affects only the admission criteria and does not alter the requirement to take Mathematics and English Language in secondary school or during examination registration.

“Institutions may now admit candidates into certain programmes where a credit pass in either English or Mathematics is not mandatory, but every student must still take both subjects during their O-Level exams. This adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects,” she clarified.

According to the ministry, the policy reform is part of efforts to expand access to higher education and promote inclusivity, equity, and human capital development across the country.

The ministry also urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely on verified and official communication channels for policy updates to avoid misinformation.

When asked if the clarification represented a reversal of the earlier policy, Folashade maintained that it was not a U-turn but a clarification of the government’s position aimed at improving access to tertiary education.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale