Maths, English remain compulsory for O’Level students, FG clarifies
The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students registering for their O’Level examinations, despite the recent review of admission requirements into tertiary institutions.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Education, the government emphasised that the new policy on streamlined admission criteria does not exempt any candidate from registering or sitting for the two core subjects.
The clarification, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, followed widespread misinterpretations of the newly introduced O’Level admission framework.
According to the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, the reform was designed to promote flexibility, inclusiveness, and fairness in tertiary education admissions, ensuring that qualified students are not denied access due to deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their chosen courses.
“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 explained.
He further stated that the new framework aligns with global best practices and corrects imbalances in the previous system by allowing institutions to admit candidates into certain programmes where a credit pass in either subject is not mandatory. However, all students must still register and sit for both English Language and Mathematics.
The ministry reiterated that the adjustment applies only to admission requirements for specific programmes and does not affect the general obligation to study or take the subjects.
“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 partly read.
The ministry added that the policy supports the Federal Government’s commitment to equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, while upholding the quality and integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
It also urged students, parents, and other education stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels and verified social media pages of the ministry for accurate information on education reforms and policies.
The ministry reaffirmed its resolve to build a credible, inclusive, and globally competitive education system anchored on integrity, excellence, and equal opportunity for all learners.
