Education Ministry Clarifies: Maths Still Compulsory Despite New Admission Policy

The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that Mathematics remains a compulsory subject for all Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) candidates, despite recent reports suggesting otherwise.

The clarification follows widespread debate over the ministry’s new policy, which appeared to suggest that arts students no longer need a credit in Mathematics to gain admission into tertiary institutions.

In a statement issued last week, the ministry’s spokesperson, Boriowo Folasade, said the adjustment was misunderstood and does not make Mathematics optional.

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

Folasade explained that the policy only streamlines tertiary admission requirements for certain programmes, ensuring that students are not denied entry into higher institutions because of deficiencies in subjects not directly relevant to their chosen fields.

“The adjustment affects only the admission criteria for certain programmes, not the requirement to study or sit for these subjects,” she added.

The ministry said the move aligns with global best practices and promotes a more inclusive and flexible education system, while still reinforcing the importance of English and Mathematics as “fundamental tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning.”