Breaking: Mathematics Remains Compulsory For Students Sitting for O’Level Exams, Says FG

• The Federal Government has clarified that Mathematics remains compulsory for all students sitting for O-Level examinations
• Recent changes to tertiary admission criteria do not exempt candidates from registering or taking Mathematics
• The Ministry of Education says the reform aims to expand access while maintaining core academic standards

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that Mathematics remains a compulsory subject for all students sitting for O-Level examinations, despite recent adjustments to tertiary admission criteria.

This clarification was issued in a press statement released on Sunday by Boriowo Folashade, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education.

Earlier in the week, Boriowo had announced a policy shift indicating that senior secondary school students in the arts and humanities would no longer be required to present a credit in Mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for admission into certain tertiary programmes.

She explained that the reform was introduced to address longstanding barriers that had limited access to higher education for many qualified candidates.

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According to Boriowo, over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually, yet only around 700,000 secure admission. She said the new guidelines were designed to expand opportunities and reduce exclusion based on rigid subject requirements.

Educationists react to admission reform

The announcement sparked debate among education stakeholders, with some critics arguing that the policy could undermine academic standards and encourage complacency among students. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on students’ overall performance and preparedness for higher education.

However, in the latest statement, the Ministry clarified that while admission criteria may now allow flexibility in subject credits for specific programmes, the requirement to register and sit for Mathematics remains unchanged.

“All students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations,” the statement read.

Clarification on admission criteria vs examination requirements

Boriowo emphasised that the adjustment pertains solely to admission criteria and does not affect the obligation to take both English and Mathematics during O-Level exams. “This adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects,” she clarified.

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The Ministry stated that the reform aligns with the Federal Government’s broader goals of promoting equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development. It described English and Mathematics as “vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning.”

Ministry urges stakeholders to rely on official channels

In light of the confusion surrounding the policy update, the Ministry urged students, parents, and stakeholders to rely exclusively on official communication channels for accurate and verified information.

When asked whether the clarification represented a reversal of the earlier announcement, Boriowo responded:

“No, no U-turn — it’s a clarification on the streamlined admission requirements to expand access to tertiary education, please.”

Mathematics no longer compulsory for arts students

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Federal Ministry of Education announced on Tuesday that senior secondary school students specialising in arts and humanities will no longer be required to present a credit pass in mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) as a condition for admission into universities and polytechnics.

The revised guidelines, which apply to examinations conducted by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO), mark a significant departure from the longstanding requirement that all admission seekers, regardless of discipline, must obtain five credit passes including mathematics and English language.

Source: Legit.ng