- FG affirms that all O-Level candidates must register and sit for Mathematics.
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Policy adjustment affects only admission criteria, not exam requirements.
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Reform aims to expand access to tertiary education while maintaining academic standards.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed that Mathematics remains a compulsory subject for all students sitting for O-Level examinations.
In a statement released on Sunday, Boriowo Folashade, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, clarified that earlier announcements concerning admission requirements do not exempt any student from taking Mathematics.
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“All students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations,” the Ministry stated.
Earlier this week, Boriowo had indicated that students in arts and humanities programmes would not need credit passes in Mathematics for tertiary admission, a reform intended to broaden access for qualified candidates. While over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually, only about 700,000 gain admission.
The new statement emphasised that while tertiary institutions may now admit students into certain programmes without requiring credit passes in English or Mathematics, all candidates are still obliged to take both subjects during O-Level exams.
“This adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects,” Boriowo clarified.
The Ministry underlined that the policy supports the government’s vision for equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, noting that English and Mathematics are essential tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning.
Addressing concerns of a policy reversal, Boriowo said,
“No, no U-turn — it’s a clarification on the streamlined admission requirements to expand access to tertiary education.”
The Ministry also urged students, parents, and stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels for verified updates on educational policies.
