English, Mathematics Still Compulsory in O’Level Exams — FG Clarifies Amid Admission Policy Review
English, Mathematics Still Compulsory in O’Level Exams — FG Clarifies Amid Admission Policy Review
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all candidates registering for O’Level examinations across the country, despite the recent adjustments to admission requirements for tertiary institutions.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Education, the government emphasised that the revised admission policy does not exempt any student from registering or sitting for the two core subjects.
Misinterpretations Prompt Clarification
The clarification followed widespread public misinterpretation of the new O’Level admission framework, which many believed had abolished the mandatory nature of Mathematics and English for certain fields of study.
According to the statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the move to address misinformation was necessary to prevent confusion among students, parents, and schools.
“The new policy aims to introduce flexibility, inclusiveness, and fairness in tertiary education admissions, ensuring that capable students are not denied access due to deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their chosen fields,” the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained.
Policy Promotes Inclusivity, Not Exemption
Dr Alausa clarified that the streamlined admission criteria simply allow tertiary institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where a credit in either English Language or Mathematics may not be a strict requirement. However, this does not remove the obligation to take both subjects during the Senior School Certificate Examinations.
“The reform aligns with global best practices and seeks to correct imbalances in the previous admission system,” the Minister said. “While some programmes may not require credit passes in both subjects for admission, all students must still register and sit for English and Mathematics as part of their O’Level examinations.”
Maintaining Standards and Global Alignment
The Ministry further emphasised that English and Mathematics are foundational subjects essential for developing critical thinking, communication, and numeracy skills — all vital for personal and professional success.
“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 reiterated.
Akahi News gathered that the new policy only affects admission criteria — not curriculum or examination requirements. This means that while universities and polytechnics may now exercise flexibility when considering credit passes in these subjects for certain courses, no student will be allowed to skip them during their secondary education or O’Level registration.
Broader Goal: Equity, Access, and Human Capital Development
The Federal Ministry of Education said the policy is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to promote equitable access to education, strengthen inclusivity, and drive national human capital development.
It reaffirmed its commitment to building a credible, globally competitive education system grounded in integrity, excellence, and equal opportunity for all learners.
Parents, teachers, and school administrators were also advised to rely solely on verified government communication channels and the Ministry’s official social media pages for accurate information regarding educational reforms and policies.
Akahi News Insight
Akahi News notes that this clarification comes amid growing concern among education stakeholders following a recent PUNCH Online report suggesting that Mathematics might no longer be compulsory for Arts and Humanities students seeking university admission. The misunderstanding sparked intense debates nationwide, with many Nigerians expressing fears that the reform could lower academic standards.
However, the government’s position now makes it clear that Mathematics and English remain non-negotiable elements of Nigeria’s secondary education, even though tertiary admission requirements may vary by discipline.
This approach, analysts say, ensures that while Nigeria’s education system adapts to modern realities and global trends, it does not compromise the foundational skills required for academic and career excellence.
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