FG clarifies: English, Mathematics still mandatory for O’Level students

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all candidates sitting for O’Level examinations, despite recent adjustments to tertiary institution admission requirements.

In a statement released on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Education, the government said the newly reviewed admission policy does not exempt any student from registering or sitting for the two core subjects.

Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, explained that the clarification was necessary following public misinterpretations of the new O’Level admission framework.

Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the reform aims to make tertiary education admissions more flexible, fair, and inclusive—ensuring that qualified students are not barred from gaining admission due to credit deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their chosen fields.
“The streamlining ensures that deserving students are not denied access to higher education due to credit deficiencies in subjects not directly relevant to their disciplines,” Alausa stated.

He added that the framework aligns with global best practices by addressing imbalances in the previous system, allowing institutions to admit students into certain programmes where a credit pass in either subject is not required for entry. However, all students must still register for and sit both English and Mathematics.

The ministry emphasized that the adjustment affects only admission criteria for specific courses and does not change the requirement for students to study or take the subjects.
“All students must continue to take both subjects as part of their Senior School Certificate Examinations, as they remain essential to a solid educational foundation,” the statement added.

According to the ministry, the policy supports the government’s broader goal of promoting equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, while maintaining education quality and integrity.

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It further advised students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely only on verified ministry channels and official social media pages for accurate information on education reforms.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to fostering a credible, inclusive, and globally competitive education system grounded in integrity, excellence, and equal opportunity.

It was earlier reported that under the new framework, students in arts and humanities programmes will no longer be required to present a credit in Mathematics as a condition for admission into universities and polytechnics.