FG says English, Maths compulsory for all O’level students
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Federal Government has said that English language and mathematics remain compulsory for students sitting for their ordinary level examinations.
The government therefore urged students to continue to register for the subjects in their O’level examinations.
Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa recently announced that Mathematics will no longer be a compulsory subject for prospective university students in the Arts, sparking widespread debate among educators and parents.
While some hailed the decision as a relief for students who struggle with the subject, others — including university lecturers, economists, and education reform advocates — warned that it could weaken critical thinking and reduce employability.
One of the critics, Prof Anthony Kila, who has written extensively on education policy and public reasoning, urged a rethink.
“Mathematics is the grammar of reason,” he said. “Even poets count syllables. Even musicians calculate rhythm. Let us not produce a generation that cannot count what counts.”
However, the Federal Ministry of Education made a clarification in a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade on Sunday.
It reads: “The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that all students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations. The new policy does not exempt any candidate from these core subjects but rather introduces a more inclusive and flexible approach to tertiary admission requirements.
READ ALSO: Abandoning Maths for Arts candidates is regressive, Kila faults FG’s policy
“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, explained that the reform promotes fairness and inclusiveness in tertiary education by ensuring that capable students are not denied admission due to deficiencies in non-core subjects.
“The streamlining of O-Level admission guidelines aims to modernize Nigeria’s education system and align it with global best practices. It allows institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where credit passes in either English or Mathematics may not be compulsory, while still mandating that all students register and sit for both subjects.
“This reform supports the Federal Government’s vision of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, broadening academic pathways and recognizing diverse strengths among learners.
“English and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning. The adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects.
“The Ministry urges students, parents, and stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels for verified policy updates.”
