FG Reverses Policy on Mathematics, Declares Subject Still Compulsory for All Students

The Federal Government has withdrawn its earlier decision that made Mathematics optional for students seeking admission into tertiary institutions, reaffirming that the subject remains compulsory at the O’Level level.

This reversal follows widespread criticism from parents, teachers, and education stakeholders who warned that exempting Mathematics from admission requirements could have damaging effects on academic standards and employability.

Last week, the Federal Government had announced that Mathematics would no longer be mandatory for admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Institutions for students pursuing Arts and Humanities courses.

However, in a new statement issued by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the government clarified that English Language and Mathematics remain mandatory for all O’Level candidates across disciplines.

Government Clarifies Position on Education Policy

The statement, titled “English and Mathematics Remain Compulsory for All O’Level Students — FG Clarifies Streamlined Admission Requirements,” emphasized that the recent reform was never intended to remove core subjects but rather to promote a more inclusive admission process.

According to the Ministry, English and Mathematics are essential tools for communication, logical reasoning, and lifelong learning. The clarification stressed that every student must still register and sit for both subjects in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), National Examination Council (NECO), or other approved O’Level exams.

The statement further explained that the government’s education reform aims to support equitable access to tertiary education, inclusivity, and human capital development, while recognizing the diverse abilities and academic strengths of Nigerian students.

It added that the adjustment only affects admission flexibility for specific courses and institutions, not the fundamental requirement to study Mathematics and English at the secondary school level.

The Ministry urged parents, students, and school administrators to rely on official government channels for accurate information on education policies to avoid misinterpretation.

Parents and Teachers Reject Initial Mathematics Waiver

Reacting to the development, the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) strongly opposed the earlier waiver. Speaking to journalists, Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, Chairman of NAPTAN’s Board of Trustees, described the idea of removing Mathematics as “misguided and potentially harmful” to the nation’s educational foundation.

Ogunbanjo explained that Mathematics is not only vital for science-based fields but also for the Arts and Humanities, as basic numeracy is required in almost every profession and business venture.

“Even if Arts students may not need advanced mathematics, a credit or at least a pass in the subject should remain compulsory for all tertiary admissions,” he said.

He further urged the Federal Government to prioritize education reforms that strengthen foundational learning rather than weaken core academic requirements.

According to him, removing Mathematics could send the wrong message to young learners and negatively affect Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.

Stakeholders Call for Consistency in Education Reforms

Several education experts have also called for more consistency and transparency in government policy announcements. They argue that frequent reversals create confusion among students and institutions.

Education analysts emphasized that subjects like Mathematics and English Language form the backbone of literacy and numeracy, which are essential for employability, entrepreneurship, and national development.

They advised the Ministry of Education to engage stakeholders more deeply before rolling out major policy reforms to avoid backlash and misinformation.

The Way Forward

As the government reaffirms the compulsory status of Mathematics, schools are expected to maintain the subject as a core requirement in their academic programs. Students are also advised to continue preparing adequately for both English and Mathematics, as these remain prerequisites for any tertiary admission in Nigeria.

Observers believe that while flexibility in admission policies is necessary, ensuring that all students attain a basic proficiency in Mathematics and English remains vital for sustainable education growth and global competitiveness.