Minister of Education, Tunji AlausaThe Federal Government reaffirms that all students must register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O’Level examinations despite the new admission reforms aimed at increasing access to higher education
The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students registering for their Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE), despite recent adjustments to tertiary admission requirements.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Federal Ministry of Education emphasized that the ongoing education reform does not exempt any candidate from registering or sitting for the two core subjects. The ministry clarified that while the new policy aims to make tertiary admissions more flexible and inclusive, it does not eliminate the obligation for students to take English and Mathematics as part of their O’Level examinations.
The clarification followed widespread misinterpretation of the new O’Level admission framework, which had led to confusion among students, parents, and education stakeholders. The statement, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, stressed that the reform only affects admission criteria for specific programmes in tertiary institutions and not the requirement to register for or sit the two compulsory subjects.
Earlier, Boriowo had announced that candidates in the arts and humanities streams would no longer be required to present a credit in Mathematics for certain university admissions. She explained that this adjustment was designed to expand access to higher education, especially for students who had been repeatedly denied admission due to shortcomings in subjects not directly related to their chosen fields.
According to her, over two million candidates register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually, but only about 700,000 are offered admission into tertiary institutions. The policy, therefore, seeks to bridge this gap by ensuring that qualified candidates are not unfairly excluded.
However, the earlier announcement generated controversy among educationists, some of whom expressed concern that the policy could encourage complacency among students and lower academic standards. In response, the ministry clarified that the reform aims to strike a balance between inclusivity and academic rigor, maintaining the integrity of the educational system while promoting fairness in access.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining the relevance of English and Mathematics as essential components of a sound educational foundation. He explained that while tertiary institutions are now permitted to admit candidates into specific programmes where a credit pass in either subject may not be mandatory, all students must still take both subjects during their SSCE.
“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,” Dr. Alausa said. “This approach aligns with global best practices and seeks to correct imbalances that have persisted in the nation’s admission system.”
He further noted that the policy reform is part of the Federal Government’s broader vision to promote equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development without compromising quality and standards in education.
The ministry urged students, parents, and the general public to rely on verified information from official government communication channels and avoid misinformation circulating on social media. It reiterated that English Language and Mathematics remain indispensable to the development of students’ cognitive and communication skills, serving as foundational tools for lifelong learning and career advancement.
By reaffirming this stance, the government seeks to ensure that educational reforms are both progressive and sustainable, supporting the nation’s long-term goals of quality education and national development.
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