FG Drops Mathematics Requirement for Arts, Humanities Admissions into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a major revision to the National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, removing Mathematics as a compulsory credit for students seeking admission into Arts and Humanities-related courses. This new policy, unveiled on October 14, 2025, by the Federal Ministry of Education, applies across universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies nationwide.

According to the statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, the revised guidelines aim to remove unnecessary barriers for students while maintaining academic standards. Under the new framework:

1.Universities will require a minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, secured in not more than two sittings. Mathematics remains mandatory only for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.

2.Polytechnic candidates at the National Diploma (ND) level must hold at least four (4) credit passes including English Language for non-science programs and Mathematics for science-related courses.

3.At the Higher National Diploma (HND) level, Polytechnic admission requires five (5) credit passes including English Language and Mathematics.

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4.Colleges of Education (NCE level) candidates need four (4) credit passes with English Language compulsory for Arts and Social Science courses, and Mathematics compulsory for Science, Vocational, and Technical programs.

5.Innovation Enterprise Academies will align with Polytechnic ND requirements, with the National Innovation Diploma being phased out in favor of the standardized National Diploma for uniformity and credibility.

Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa described the reform as “a deliberate effort to expand access to tertiary education,” emphasizing that it opens opportunities to an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students annually. He highlighted that this shift reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive education, human capital development, and youth empowerment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The changes respond to longstanding admission challenges where rigid entry requirements, including mandatory Mathematics for all disciplines, limited access for capable candidates, especially in Arts and Humanities fields. The harmonization of admission guidelines also aims to reduce out-of-school youth numbers, enhance vocational and technical training, and align Nigeria’s tertiary education system with global and industry standards.

What This Means for Applicants and Institutions:

1.Arts/Humanities aspirants now have wider access, needing only credit passes in relevant art subjects and English Language, no longer constrained by mandatory Mathematics.

2.Universities and polytechnics maintain Mathematics requirements strictly for Science, Technology, and Social Science pathways, protecting academic standards in those fields.

3.Colleges of Education and Innovation Enterprise Academies maintain targeted subject requirements adjusted for their specialized courses, ensuring clarity and progression opportunities for students.

What This Means for Ogun State Students:

Students in Ogun State aspiring to study Arts and Humanities have a greatly improved chance to gain admission without the hurdle of a Mathematics credit pass. This reduction of barriers fosters inclusivity and encourages more youths from the region to pursue their academic ambitions in the Arts without unnecessary obstacles.