The Federal Government has clarified that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students registering for their O’Level examinations, despite the recent review of admission requirements into tertiary institutions.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Education, the government said the new policy on streamlined admission criteria does not exempt any candidate from registering or sitting for the two core subjects.
According to the statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the clarification became necessary following widespread misinterpretations of the new O’Level admission framework.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the reform was introduced to promote flexibility, inclusiveness, and fairness in tertiary education admissions, ensuring that capable students are not denied access because of deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their chosen courses.
“The streamlining ensures that deserving students are not denied access to higher education due to credit deficiencies in subjects that are not directly relevant to their chosen fields of study,” Alausa said.
He added that the new framework aligns with global best practices and corrects imbalances in the previous admission system by allowing institutions to admit candidates into certain programmes where credit passes in either subject are not compulsory.
However, he emphasized that all students must still register and sit for both English Language and Mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE).
“All students must continue to take both subjects as part of their SSCE, as they remain vital components of a sound educational foundation,” the ministry stated.
The ministry further noted that the adjustment only affects admission criteria for specific programmes, not the general requirement to study or take the subjects.
It added that the policy supports the Federal Government’s broader goal of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, whileStakeholders education quality and integrity.
Students, parents, and education stakeholders were also urged to rely solely on the ministry’s official communication channels and verified social media platforms for accurate information on ongoing reforms and policies.
The statement reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to building a credible, inclusive, and globally competitive education system anchored on integrity, excellence, and equal opportunity for all learners.
Recall that the ministry recently announced that students in arts and humanities would no longer be required to present a credit in Mathematics in their SSCE, conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), as a condition for admission into certain programmes in universities and polytechnics.
