The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students registering for the O-Level examinations nationwide.
This clarification came through a statement released on Sunday by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education. The ministry addressed recent confusion surrounding the government’s review of O-Level admission requirements for tertiary institutions.
According to the statement, the new policy framework does not exempt any student from registering or sitting for English Language and Mathematics. Instead, it aims to introduce a more inclusive and flexible approach to tertiary admission requirements across the country.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the reform is designed to enhance flexibility, inclusiveness, and fairness in Nigeria’s education system.
“The streamlining ensures that capable and deserving students are not denied access to higher education because of credit deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their chosen fields,” Alausa stated.
Folasade further explained that the decision to streamline O-Level admission guidelines aligns with efforts to modernise Nigeria’s education system and reflect global best practices.
“The new framework corrects previous imbalances by allowing tertiary institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where a credit pass in either subject may not be compulsory, while still mandating that all students register and sit for both English and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations,” the statement read.
The ministry emphasised that the reform supports the Federal Government’s broader commitment to equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development.
“It broadens academic pathways, encourages diverse learning opportunities, and recognises different intellectual strengths among students,” Folasade added.
According to the ministry, the revised policy aims to eliminate unnecessary barriers in tertiary admissions without compromising the quality and integrity of education in the country.
The government reaffirmed the central importance of English Language and Mathematics, describing them as “fundamental tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning.”
“All students must continue to take both subjects as part of their Senior School Certificate Examinations, as they remain vital components of a sound educational foundation,” the statement reiterated.
The clarification stressed that the recent adjustments affect only the admission criteria for certain tertiary programmes, not the requirement to study or sit for English and Mathematics.
Reaffirming its dedication to maintaining high educational standards, the Ministry of Education pledged continued collaboration with regulatory bodies, examination councils, and tertiary institutions to ensure smooth implementation of the new guidelines.
The ministry also urged students, parents, and stakeholders to depend solely on official communication channels and verified social media platforms of the Federal Ministry of Education for accurate updates on education policies and reforms.
“The Federal Ministry of Education remains steadfast in its mission to build a credible, inclusive, and globally competitive education system anchored on integrity, excellence, and equal opportunity for all learners,” Folasade stated.
The clarification followed online reports falsely claiming that the government had scrapped English Language and Mathematics as compulsory O-Level subjects.
