₦airaland Forum

*FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION*

18th October, 2025

*PRESS RELEASE*

*ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS REMAIN COMPULSORY FOR ALL O’LEVEL STUDENTS: FG CLARIFIES STREAMLINED ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS*

The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified the intent behind the recently streamlined O’Level admission requirements into tertiary institutions, reaffirming that all students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O’Level examinations.

The Ministry emphasized that the new policy does not exempt any candidate from registering or sitting for these two core subjects. Instead, it introduces a more inclusive and flexible approach to tertiary admission requirements.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, explained that the reform was designed to promote flexibility, inclusiveness, and fairness in tertiary education admissions across the country. According to him, the streamlining ensures that capable and deserving students are not denied access to higher education due to credit deficiencies in subjects not directly relevant to their chosen fields of study.

The justification for streamlining the O’Level admission guidelines, the Minister noted, is rooted in the need to modernize Nigeria’s education system in line with global best practices. The new framework corrects existing imbalances by allowing tertiary institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where credit passes 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.

This reform aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development. It broadens academic pathways, encourages diverse learning opportunities, and recognizes different intellectual strengths among students. By streamlining admission processes, the Ministry aims to remove unnecessary barriers without compromising the quality and integrity of education.

The policy further reinforces the central importance of English Language and Mathematics 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 adjustment affects only the admission criteria for certain programmes—not the requirement to study or sit for these subjects.

The Federal Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to maintaining high educational standards while promoting equity and inclusion. It will continue to work closely with regulatory bodies, examination councils, and tertiary institutions to ensure the smooth implementation of the new guidelines in line with national education objectives.

The Ministry also urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely solely on the official communication channels and social media platforms of the Federal Ministry of Education for accurate and up-to-date information regarding all policies, reforms, and announcements.

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.

*Boriowo Folasade*
*Director, Press and Public Relations*

You have already relegated Mathematics to those lazy students that wouldn't want anything to do with the subject's complexity in the first place; knowing that they could still secure admission with or without the subject.

Mandatory means if a student gets below D7, such student shouldn't be given admission especially into University level; otherwise, it is no longer mandatory but 'outdatory'.


AI is already making students intellectually lazy, optionalizing Mathematics would be a step taken too far.


Tinubu, a bad man with good intentions.

This man is confused .. he doesn't even understand what he's saying

Ofcourse! This is necessary.

I lost my Admission to Study Medicine in 2006 due D7 in English despite having Bs in the other relevant subject with a good Jamb score .....
So many things is just wrong

It makes sense..... But trust Political Nairalandees

Government make a statement, wait for people's reaction and go ahead to withdraw or deny it.

How do we access the revised guidelines/subjects combinations for the new academic year admissions into tertiary institutions? For instance, is Chemistry still one of the requirements for admission to study Computer Science? Can someone share more information on this?

CON, explained that the reform was designed to promote flexibility, inclusiveness, and fairness in tertiary education admissions across the country. According to him, the streamlining ensures that capable and deserving students are not denied access to higher education due to credit deficiencies in subjects not directly relevant

Confused..set of people. What are they even saying

horpe132:
It makes sense..... But trust Political Nairalandees

actually it doesn't make any sense. There is no clarification, he just reiterated what was dished out earlier. He still maintains that passing mathematics is not compulsory. Saying that students must register for Mathematics but can fail it doesn't make sense, I don't understand the kind of strange people at the helm of affairs in this country.

Hard to defend APC. Alausa is Mr. Blonder. These don't understand what they are doing.

DarkkManB:
actually it doesn't make any sense. There is no clarification, he just reiterated what was dished out earlier. He still maintains that passing mathematics is not compulsory. Saying that students must register for Mathematics but can fail it doesn't make sense, I don't understand the kind of strange people at the helm of affairs in this country.

.
.
You have a point there too....

Lol confused set of people, is it one or the other and do they ever stop to listen to the thrash they churn out before they do?

GUNITGuy:
I lost my Admission to Study Medicine in 2006 due D7 in English despite having Bs in the other relevant subject with a good Jamb score .....
So many things is just wrong

Stydying Medicine should require a credit pass in English language.

Whether we like it or not, maths and English basics will remain relevant in our everyday activities for the rest of our lives. There is no escaping, it should be made mandatory to get at least a C.
I was an Art student, but trust me, there is no escaping maths in this life, better just be open about it

datola:
Stydying Medicine should require a credit pass in English language.

Exactly. Because how are you even trusted to communicate correctly to your patients with the country’s lingua franca

Beautiful Clarification,as some Lazy People thought Mathematics is not important again!
•Mathematics should enable us have holistic and dynamic flares to think and makes our pathways better,than just being holed up in one corner.
MATHS is and Must Be Compulsory For All Human Endeavors and reflex 🪞 Our ability to think DYNAMICALLY at all Times and For ALL Courses and for All Purposes!
Nigeria Cannot Be Different From The World 🌎!

datola:
Stydying Medicine should require a credit pass in English language.

But you're not Reading English language
I had to seat for another only to be told the admission is only at a seating ....
I know if I had tjr the necessary connect they would have been of help but Nigeria is another kettle of fish

Bluntemperor:
Beautiful Clarification,as some Lazy People thought Mathematics is not important again!
•Mathematics should enable us have holistic and dynamic flares to think and makes our pathways better,than just being holed up in one corner.
MATHS is and Must Be Compulsory For All Human Endeavors and reflex 🪞 Our ability to think DYNAMICALLY at all Times and For ALL Courses and for All Purposes!
Nigeria Cannot Be Different From The World 🌎!

That's not that true ....This things were parameters to qualify people out of so many candidates infact 90perrcent what you read in school isn't necessary in the real world it's just a training discipline idea...
You learn real things when you re mostly out of school ....
The real world isn't taught in classroom social, economic, technical Know how's aren't usually in the university....
You get to know this as you work in organization, face life and discover so many things are not taught at all yet important for your success

Deputy1111:
*FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION*

It seems this minister is confused. You streamlined the process and turn back to say they must still write it. What's the essence of writing and exam they are not required to pass.

BigBelleControl:
Government make a statement, wait for people's reaction and go ahead to withdraw or deny it.

They didn't deny anything. I bet you didn't read beyond the headline.
Students MUST register Mathematics in the O'level exams BUT having MINIMUM of C6 is NO LONGER COMPULSORY except for Courses where they are integral.
That's to give you are summary since you don't have the time to read but comment.

No Be Juju Be Dat?

DarkkManB:
actually it doesn't make any sense. There is no clarification, he just reiterated what was dished out earlier. He still maintains that passing mathematics is not compulsory. Saying that students must register for Mathematics but can fail it doesn't make sense, I don't understand the kind of strange people at the helm of affairs in this country.

Please, can you tell me why an Art inclined person MUST pass Mathematics?
Even my Dad, at 80, who did not go beyond what is now Primary 2 can calculate money in Millions accurately without finding the (y and x).
Again, tell me. What is the reason why an Art inclined person MUST pass Mathematics? Thanks.

No Be Juju Be Dat?

mannobi:
It seems this minister is confused. You streamlined the process and turn back to say they must still write it. What's the essence of writing and exam they are not required to pass.

Must someone pass all the 9 subjects registered? Wasn't Economics compulsory at a time but was it a Must to pass it then?
If people are to register only their core subject needed for the intended courses they want to study, I bet you people will not register more than 4 subjects just like Jamb.

Bluntemperor:
Beautiful Clarification,as some Lazy People thought Mathematics is not important again!
•Mathematics should enable us have holistic and dynamic flares to think and makes our pathways better,than just being holed up in one corner.
MATHS is and Must Be Compulsory For All Human Endeavors and reflex 🪞 Our ability to think DYNAMICALLY at all Times and For ALL Courses and for All Purposes!
Nigeria Cannot Be Different From The World 🌎!

You only read the headline. Didn't you?
Mathematics is NO LONGER COMPULSORY. That is still the bottom line of the clarification. Students must register but not necessarily to pass it. Isn't that a Greek gift rendering it of equal value like Economics or Civic?
The rest of the World? Which World? Earth or Mars? Show me any country where a prospective law students or Theatre Art students MUST pass Mathematics to study in their University.

No Be Juju Be Dat?

paxonel:
Oga minister, please explain to Nigerians how Mathematics is not relevant to Theatre Art, Fine Art and Communication Art?

Why not also ask how CRS is related to Theatre Art, Fine Art and Communication Art?

Do you need to. know the genealogy of Jesus before you should be allowed to study these?

GUNITGuy:
I lost my Admission to Study Medicine in 2006 due D7 in English despite having Bs in the other relevant subject with a good Jamb score .....
So many things is just wrong

Most things will be wrong if the Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists and other relevant professionals Iin the hospital environment saddled with attending to patients are made principally of people who had D7 in English.

It is better imagined than experienced.

GUNITGuy:
That's not that true ....This things were parameters to qualify people out of so many candidates infact 90perrcent what you read in school isn't necessary in the real world it's just a training discipline idea...
You learn real things when you re mostly out of school ....
The real world isn't taught in classroom social, economic, technical Know how's aren't usually in the university....
You get to know this as you work in organization, face life and discover so many things are not taught at all yet important for your success

Yeah,your Statements made Sense -but why do we try to jettison Mathematics in this part of the World?
• yet we want to go to into Space 🌌🚀 Explorations,
• becomes -Great Engineers, becomes Architects - without Calculations ,etc,
• Medical Experts,
• Run Accurate Numbers,etc.
Then,I aligned myself with Some Universities in this Country- laying templates to whether you are Art Students,or Social or/and Sciences - coming to Law or any Courses,you have a Credit in Maths-in your O/ Level.
•It makes Students Well-grounded and well versed and Competitive in the World affairs, even in their- thoughts and analysis,you know!
OR
-Who Is Afraid of Mathematics in Nigeria?
May be Politicians and their footsoldiers-- who are always recruited for dirty- analysis and junks journalism!
Nigeria Will Be Great in our Time!

immaculatesense:
Please, can you tell me why an Art inclined person MUST pass Mathematics?
Even my Dad, at 80, who did not go beyond what is now Primary 2 can calculate money in Millions accurately without finding the (y and x).
Again, tell me. What is the reason why an Art inclined person MUST pass Mathematics? Thanks.

No Be Juju Be Dat?

first of all, I didn't say that art students must pass mathematics, I only said that the minister has not said anything different from the earlier information. That said, I agree that mathematics should not be compulsory but English language as well should not be compulsory for science students, imagine someone couldn't get admission to study medicine just because he got D7 in English language despite passing all other subjects and jamb as well. English language is just a language that can be understood by someone who has never seen the four walls of the classroom, he only needs to be in an English-speaking environment. Even a ten year old kid who lives his life in America or England and didn't go to school will speak English language very well. What do you think about that?

Bluntemperor:
Yeah,your Statements made Sense -but why do we try to jettison Mathematics in this part of the World?
• yet we want to go to into Space 🌌🚀 Explorations,
• becomes -Great Engineers, becomes Architects - without Calculations ,etc,
• Medical Experts,
• Run Accurate Numbers,etc.
Then,I aligned myself with Some Universities in this Country- laying templates to whether you are Art Students,or Social or/and Sciences - coming to Law or any Courses,you have a Credit in Maths-in your O/ Level.
•It makes Students Well-grounded and well versed and Competitive in the World affairs, even in their- thoughts and analysis,you know!
OR
-Who Is Afraid of Mathematics in Nigeria?
May be Politicians and their footsoldiers-- who are always recruited for dirty- analysis and junks journalism!
Nigeria Will Be Great in our Time!

Well grounded in Maths is fundamental yeah but it's just a curriculum that's necessary for passing exams but you gonna b shocked how people who by pass this get to be inventors and real problem solvers not just some Cognitive skills in Cramping as it's the case in Nigeria.....
That's why Nigerians are the people with the Highest PhD holders in U.S.A but can't compete industrially with Germans or Chinese who hardly bag a Bsc but usually Hnd...And it stops there ....
Let's expose out children at leisure to real world problems earlier enough as extra curricular than the system wee are practicing ....It's not it at all ...
Wake up and smell the coffee the World is changing and it's Jettisoning once conventional methods to embracing new things
It's high time

DarkkManB:
first of all, I didn't say that art students must pass mathematics, I only said that the minister has not said anything different from the earlier information. That said, I agree that mathematics should not be compulsory but English language as well should not be compulsory for science students, imagine someone couldn't get admission to study medicine just because he got D7 in English language despite passing all other subjects and jamb as well. English language is just a language that can be understood by someone who has never seen the four walls of the classroom, he only needs to be in an English-speaking environment. Even a ten year old kid who lives his life in America or England and didn't go to school will speak English language very well. What do you think about that?

Thanks so much people have shortchanged disenfranchised by some of these things just to understand they were not really necessary....
Look forward thinking leaders should even include coding or Artificial intelligence, Arts, Sport development, Digital marketing, freelancing, woodwork, we need to wake up.....this is what would put food on People's table without waiting for Government job...
Zuckerberg wasn't a Professor of Computer infact they were Professors before him but never saw Facebook..this things not by Mathematics or English ..
Elon Musk said similar things ...
Infact it's likely some courses might be phased out before 2035 because of innovation....