The Federal Government has reiterated that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory for all students registering for their O’Level examinations, despite the recent adjustment to tertiary admission requirements.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Federal Ministry of Education explained that the ongoing review of admission policies does not exempt any student from registering or sitting for the two core subjects.
The clarification, signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, followed public confusion and misinterpretations surrounding the new O’Level admission framework recently unveiled.
Earlier, Boriowo had announced that students in the arts and humanities might not necessarily need a credit pass in Mathematics to qualify for certain university programmes.
She said the review was intended to expand access to higher education after years of limited opportunities that had prevented many qualified candidates from gaining admission.
According to her, while more than two million candidates take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination annually, only about 700,000 are admitted into tertiary institutions, a disparity the new policy aims to correct.
However, the announcement generated mixed reactions, with some education experts expressing concern that it could lower academic standards and discourage diligence among students.
In its latest clarification, the ministry stressed that the reform does not eliminate the need for students to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in the Senior School Certificate Examinations.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, explained that the policy seeks to ensure fairness and inclusiveness in the admission process, allowing students to pursue their academic ambitions without being hindered by weaknesses in subjects unrelated to their preferred fields.
“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 said.
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He added that the new framework aligns with global best practices and corrects past imbalances in the country’s admission system.
While the updated policy grants universities and colleges the discretion to waive credit passes in either Mathematics or English for certain programmes, students are still required to register for and take both subjects in their O’Level examinations.
“The adjustment only affects admission criteria for specific programmes, not the requirement to take the subjects,” the ministry stated.
“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 added.
The ministry further emphasised that the reform supports the Federal Government’s broader commitment to equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, without compromising educational quality and integrity.
It also advised students, parents, and stakeholders to rely solely on the ministry’s verified communication channels and social media platforms for credible updates on education policies and reforms.
