10 Things to Know Why Mathematics Is No Longer Compulsory for Arts Students Seeking Admission
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
In recent years, education policymakers in Nigeria have made notable adjustments to admission requirements for tertiary institutions — one of the most talked-about being the decision to make Mathematics non-compulsory for certain Arts courses. Here are ten key things to know about this development and what it means for prospective students.
1. The Policy Shift Aims to Remove Barriers
According to education experts, the decision was introduced to reduce the high number of admission rejections faced by Arts students who struggle with Mathematics, despite excelling in other subjects relevant to their chosen disciplines.
2. It Applies Mainly to Humanities and Arts Disciplines
The exemption does not apply to all courses. It’s limited to fields like Law, English, History, Theatre Arts, Linguistics, and similar humanities-based programmes that rely more on language and creativity than on numerical analysis.
3. Core Subjects Take Priority
In place of Mathematics, subjects such as English Language, Literature-in-English, Government, CRS/IRS, and Economics are now given higher consideration, depending on the course and institution.
4. JAMB Updated Its Brochure
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) revised its official brochure to reflect these changes, making it clear that certain Arts courses no longer list Mathematics as a mandatory O’level subject.
5. Universities Have the Final Say
While JAMB provides a national guideline, each university still retains the right to set its own requirements. Therefore, students are advised to confirm directly with their chosen institutions before applying.
6. The Change Encourages Inclusion
Many educational observers believe the move makes tertiary education more inclusive, ensuring talented students in creative and literary fields are not excluded due to weaknesses in one subject area.
7. Basic Mathematical Literacy Is Still Expected
Even though Mathematics is no longer compulsory for some Arts courses, students are still expected to have basic numeracy skills for everyday use and general studies courses that may include introductory mathematics.
8. It Reduces WAEC and NECO Pressure
The removal of compulsory Mathematics has helped to ease anxiety among Arts students during SSCE examinations, allowing them to focus more on core subjects aligned with their strengths.
9. The Policy Is Supported by Curriculum Reforms
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has been revising secondary school curricula to ensure that Arts students receive subject combinations that align better with their career pathways.
10. It Reflects Global Educational Trends
Across many countries, students pursuing humanities and creative fields are not required to meet the same quantitative demands as science students. Nigeria’s move aligns with global best practices in flexible education pathways.
The decision to make Mathematics non-compulsory for Arts students is a progressive step toward balancing the education system and giving every learner a fair chance to thrive according to their academic strengths and passions. However, students must always review the latest admission policies of their preferred universities before applying.
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Categories: Education
