In a statement released by the Federal Ministry of Education on Sunday, the government emphasized that the revised policy on university and polytechnic admissions does not exempt any student from sitting for or registering the two foundational subjects. The clarification, signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, followed widespread misinterpretations of the new O’Level admission framework.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the reform was introduced to create a more flexible and inclusive admission process. According to him, the goal is to ensure that capable students are not denied higher education opportunities simply because they lack credit passes in subjects unrelated to their chosen fields.
“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 while institutions may now admit candidates into some programmes where credit passes in either English or Mathematics are not compulsory, all students are still required to sit for both subjects in their Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE). The minister noted that this approach aligns with global best practices and corrects the rigidities in the former admission process.
The ministry further clarified that the adjustment affects only the admission criteria for specific programmes—not the general requirement to study or take English and Mathematics. It described the subjects as “vital components of a sound educational foundation” that all students must continue to take, regardless of discipline.
The statement also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining quality and integrity in the education sector while promoting equity and inclusiveness.
Students, parents, and stakeholders were urged to rely exclusively on official ministry channels and verified social media pages for accurate information about ongoing reforms.
Earlier reports had suggested that students in arts and humanities would no longer need a credit pass in Mathematics for admission into tertiary institutions. However, the ministry’s clarification underscores that while the new admission framework provides flexibility, English and Mathematics remain mandatory O’Level subjects for every student.