The Federal Government has clarified that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students registering for O-Level examinations across the country.
The Federal Ministry of Education made this known in a statement posted on X on Sunday, following confusion surrounding the recently streamlined O-Level admission requirements into tertiary institutions.
According to the Ministry, the new policy does not exempt any student from taking the two core subjects but introduces a more flexible and inclusive approach to admissions.
“The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified the intent behind the recently streamlined O-Level admission requirements into tertiary institutions, reaffirming that all students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics for their O-Level examinations,” the statement read.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the policy was designed to ensure fairness and inclusivity across the education system. He explained that the reform was introduced “to promote flexibility, inclusiveness, and fairness in tertiary education admissions across the country.”
Dr Alausa added that the review of admission guidelines would make access to higher education less restrictive for deserving students. According to him, “the streamlining ensures that capable and deserving students are not denied access to higher education due to credit deficiencies in subjects that are not directly relevant to their chosen fields of study.”
The Ministry explained that the justification for streamlining the O-Level admission guidelines was rooted in the need to modernise Nigeria’s education system in line with global standards. It stated that “the new framework corrects this imbalance by allowing tertiary institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where credit passes in either subject are not compulsory, while still mandating that all students register and sit for both subjects in their O-Level examinations.”
Reiterating the essence of the reform, the Ministry said the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s broader commitment to equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development.
“The policy also reinforces the central importance of English Language and Mathematics as fundamental tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning,” it added.
It further emphasised that the adjustment only affects admission criteria for some programmes, not the requirement to study or sit for English and Mathematics.
“All students must continue to take both subjects as part of their Senior School Certificate Examinations, as they remain vital components of a sound educational foundation,” the Ministry said.
The statement reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to maintain high educational standards while promoting inclusion, adding that the Ministry would continue to collaborate with examination councils, regulatory agencies, and tertiary institutions to ensure smooth implementation of the new policy.
It also urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to seek verified information from official sources.
“The Ministry further urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels and social media platforms of the Federal Ministry of Education for accurate and up-to-date information regarding all policies, reforms, and announcements,” it said.
Concluding, the Ministry restated its commitment to building an education system that reflects credibility and global competitiveness.
“The Federal Ministry of Education remains steadfast in its mission to build a credible, inclusive, and globally competitive education system anchored on integrity, excellence, and equal opportunity for all learners,” it added.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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