English and Mathematics Remain Compulsory for O’Level

FG Clarifies New O’Level Admission Policy English and Mathematics Still Compulsory

The Federal Ministry of Education has officially addressed the confusion surrounding the recently revised O’Level admission requirements for tertiary institutions. The Ministry confirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects that every student must register and sit for during their O’Level examinations.

According to the Ministry, the updated policy does not remove these two core subjects. Instead, it introduces a more flexible and inclusive admission process that allows schools to admit students based on the relevance of their subjects to their chosen field of study.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa (CON), explained that the reform is designed to make Nigeria’s education system fairer, more inclusive, and aligned with international best practices. He emphasized that the change will help eliminate unnecessary barriers that have previously prevented qualified students from gaining admission into higher institutions.

A More Flexible and Modern Admission Approach

Under the new guideline, tertiary institutions are allowed to offer admission into specific programmes where credit passes in English or Mathematics may not be mandatory, depending on the course.
However, all candidates are still required to register and write both subjects during their O’Level exams.

Dr. Alausa stated that this initiative is part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to expand access to education, promote fairness, and enhance human capital development across the country. By refining admission rules, the government aims to support capable students who might have struggled with certain subjects while maintaining the overall quality and integrity of Nigeria’s education system.

English and Mathematics Remain the Foundation of Learning

While the adjustment affects admission flexibility, it does not eliminate the importance of English and Mathematics. These subjects remain central to building essential skills such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are key to success in any academic or professional field.

Every student must therefore continue to study and sit for both subjects as part of their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). The new policy simply ensures that admission opportunities are fair and better aligned with students’ career goals.

Ministry Reaffirms Its Commitment to Quality and Inclusion

The Federal Ministry of Education reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to high academic standards, inclusivity, and fairness. It pledged to continue working closely with examination bodies, regulatory agencies, and tertiary institutions to ensure smooth implementation of the revised policy.

Students, parents, and educators are urged to follow only official announcements from the Ministry’s verified website and social media handles to avoid misinformation or misinterpretation of the new rules.

Building a More Inclusive Future

The Ministry concluded by reaffirming its mission to create a trusted, inclusive, and globally competitive education system that provides equal opportunities for all Nigerian learners to achieve their full potential.