BREAKING: Mathematics Still Compulsory for All O-Level Candidates – FG Declares

The Federal Government has clarified that Mathematics remains a compulsory subject for all students sitting for the O-Level examinations across the country.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Boriowo Folashade.

Earlier on Tuesday, Boriowo had announced that students in the arts and humanities would no longer be required to present a credit pass in Mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) as a condition for admission into tertiary institutions.

She explained that the reform was designed to “expand access” to higher education after years of restrictive admission criteria that denied many qualified candidates opportunities.

“Every year, over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), but only about 700,000 eventually gain admission,” she had said, describing the new measure as a way to bridge the gap.

However, the announcement sparked a wave of criticism from educationists and stakeholders, who warned that relaxing the Mathematics requirement could encourage laxity among students and compromise academic standards.

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In the new statement, Boriowo clarified that the policy change does not exempt any student from registering and sitting for Mathematics during their O-Level examinations.

“All students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations,” the statement read in part.

She added that the adjustment only affects the admission criteria of some tertiary institutions, not the subjects required to be taken at the secondary level.

“This adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects,” she explained.

According to her, the clarification became necessary following widespread misinterpretation of the earlier announcement.

Boriowo noted that the reform aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of promoting equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development in the education sector.

“English and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning,” the statement added.

The Ministry further urged students, parents, and other stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels for verified updates regarding education policies.

“No U-turn,” says Education Ministry

When asked if the latest statement meant a reversal of the earlier position, Boriowo dismissed the notion, insisting that the ministry only provided a clarification.

“No, no U-turn, it’s a clarification on the streamlined admission requirements to expand access to tertiary education, please,” she said.