The Federal Government has reaffirmed that Mathematics remains a compulsory subject for all students sitting for O’Level examinations.
This clarification was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folashade.
The statement followed days of public confusion after Boriowo earlier announced that senior secondary school students in the arts and humanities would no longer be required to present a credit pass in Mathematics for tertiary admissions.
According to the latest clarification, all students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations, regardless of their chosen field of study.
“The Ministry wishes to make it clear that while tertiary institutions may now admit candidates into certain programmes where a credit pass in either English or Mathematics is not mandatory, all students are still required to take both subjects during their O-Level exams,” the statement read.
Boriowo explained that the recent adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the subject registration requirements for O-Level candidates.
“This is not a reversal of policy,” she said. “It is simply a clarification on the streamlined admission requirements designed to expand access to tertiary education while maintaining academic standards.”
The Ministry noted that the policy reform aligns with the Federal Government’s broader vision of promoting equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development across all sectors of education.
“English and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning,” it added. “Every student, irrespective of discipline, must acquire a foundational understanding of both subjects.”
The Ministry also cautioned students, parents, and other education stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels for accurate and verified policy updates to avoid misinformation.
Education analysts have described the clarification as timely, noting that it provides necessary guidance for schools and candidates preparing for the upcoming examination season.
Boriowo further urged stakeholders to support the ongoing reforms, which aim to strike a balance between flexibility in university admissions and the maintenance of national education standards.
