The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students registering for O’Level examinations, despite recent reviews of tertiary admission requirements.
The clarification, issued on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Education, follows widespread misinterpretation of the newly introduced admission policy that seeks to simplify entry requirements into higher institutions.
In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the ministry stressed that no student is exempted from registering or sitting for the two core subjects, regardless of their field of study.
The ministry noted that while the updated guidelines grant tertiary institutions some flexibility in their admission processes, English and Mathematics remain non-negotiable components of a solid educational foundation.
“The adjustment only affects admission criteria for specific programmes, not the requirement to take the subjects,” the statement read.
“All students must continue to register for and sit both subjects as part of their Senior School Certificate Examinations,” it added.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, explained that the reform aims to promote inclusiveness and fairness in tertiary admissions, ensuring that capable students are not denied opportunities because of credit deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their chosen fields.
“This policy aligns with global best practices and seeks to correct imbalances in the previous admission system,” Alausa said, adding that the goal is to widen access to higher education and reduce the number of qualified candidates left without placement.
According to the ministry, while over two million students write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually, fewer than 700,000 gain admission, a gap the new policy seeks to close through more flexible but merit-based admission processes.
The government also urged parents, students, and other stakeholders to rely on verified communication channels of the Federal Ministry of Education for accurate updates on education reforms, warning against misinformation from unofficial sources.
The statement reaffirmed that the Federal Government remains committed to equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development without compromising quality or standards in the education sector.
