English and Mathematics Remain Mandatory for All O’Level Students, FG Clarifies

The Federal Ministry of Education has officially reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students registering and sitting for O-Level examinations across Nigeria. This clarification comes amidst recent reforms aimed at streamlining admission requirements into tertiary institutions.

In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Ministry emphasized that while the new policy introduces a more flexible and inclusive approach to tertiary admissions, it does not exempt any candidate from the requirement to register and sit for these two fundamental subjects.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, explained that the reform was conceived to promote greater fairness, inclusivity, and accessibility within Nigeria’s tertiary education system. The streamlined admission guidelines ensure that deserving and capable students are not unfairly denied admission due to credit deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their chosen fields of study.

The adjustment represents a deliberate modernization of Nigeria’s education system to align with global best practices. It allows tertiary institutions the discretion to admit candidates into specific programmes where credit passes in either English or Mathematics may not be mandatory — yet all students are still required to undertake both subjects in their O-Level examinations.

This educational reform aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to equitable access and inclusive human capital development. By broadening academic pathways and acknowledging the diverse intellectual strengths of students, the Ministry aims to eliminate unnecessary barriers in the admission process without compromising the quality or integrity of educational standards.

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Dr. Alausa underscored the enduring significance of English and Mathematics as essential tools for communication, logical reasoning, and lifelong learning. All students must continue to engage with these core subjects as part of their Senior School Certificate Examinations to maintain a solid educational foundation.

The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining high standards and pledged ongoing collaboration with regulatory bodies, examination councils, and tertiary institutions to ensure smooth implementation of the new guidelines. The Ministry also urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to seek information solely from official communication channels and verified Ministry platforms to avoid misinformation.

This important policy clarification highlights the Ministry’s mission to establish a credible, inclusive, and competitive education system that fosters equal opportunity for every learner in Nigeria.