The Federal Government has reaffirmed that Mathematics remains a compulsory subject for all students sitting for the O-Level examinations.
This clarification was made in a statement issued on Sunday by Boriowo Folashade, spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education.
Earlier in the week, Boriowo had announced that students in the arts and humanities streams would no longer be required to present a credit pass in Mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for tertiary admissions. The announcement had stirred nationwide debate, with some education stakeholders criticising the move as a step that could weaken academic standards and encourage laziness among students.
In the latest statement, however, Boriowo explained that the reform only affects admission criteria — not the requirement to register or sit for Mathematics.
“All students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations,” the statement read.
She clarified that while tertiary institutions may now admit candidates into specific programmes where credit passes in either English or Mathematics are not mandatory, the subjects must still be taken at the O-Level stage.
“This adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects,” she said.
According to the Ministry, the reform is aimed at promoting equitable access to higher education and supporting the government’s broader vision for inclusivity and human capital development.
“English and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning,” the statement added.
The Ministry also advised students, parents, and stakeholders to rely only on official communication channels for accurate policy updates.
When asked if the clarification amounted to a policy reversal, Boriowo said, “No, this is not a U-turn — it’s simply a clarification to streamline admission requirements and expand access to tertiary education.”
