Key Points

• FG says all O’Level students must register and sit for Mathematics.

• Clarification follows confusion over admission guideline changes.

• Policy reform aims to expand access but keep academic standards intact.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that Mathematics remains compulsory for all students taking O’Level examinations.

The clarification came less than a week after a statement from the Ministry of Education suggested that Art and Humanities students might no longer need a credit pass in Mathematics for tertiary admission.

Confusion Over Earlier Announcement

Last week, a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Boriowo Folashade, caused concern among parents, teachers, and students.

It stated that candidates in the arts and humanities would no longer be required to present a credit pass in Mathematics for university or college admission.

The announcement drew swift reactions. Education experts and parents argued that removing Mathematics could lower academic standards and limit students’ future opportunities.

At the time, Folashade explained that the reform aimed to widen access to tertiary education.

She said millions of students take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination each year, but only about 700,000 gain admission.

Ministry Clarifies Policy

In a follow-up statement released on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Education clarified that every student must register and sit for Mathematics in their O’Level exams.

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

The ministry explained that some tertiary institutions may now accept candidates without credit passes in either Mathematics or English for certain programs.

However, all students must still take both subjects during their exams.

“This adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects,” Folashade clarified.

She added that the reform seeks to expand access to higher education while maintaining the core standards that English and Mathematics represent.

Education Reform With Boundaries

The ministry said the policy aligns with the government’s broader plan to promote inclusivity and human capital development.

“English and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning,” the ministry noted.

It also urged parents, students, and stakeholders to rely on official communication channels for accurate information about education policies.

When asked if the clarification signaled a reversal of policy, Folashade said it did not.

“No, it’s not a U-turn,” she said. “It’s simply a clarification of the streamlined admission requirements meant to expand access to tertiary education.”

The ministry added that consultations are ongoing to ensure schools, examination bodies, and tertiary institutions interpret the reform consistently.

Education analysts believe the clarification may ease public anxiety but warn that it also highlights a larger issue — finding the right balance between access and academic standards.