Mathematics no longer compulsory for Arts and Humanities admissions — FG

The Federal Government has announced that senior secondary school students in the arts and humanities will no longer need a credit pass in mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) — conducted by WAEC or NECO — to gain admission into universities and polytechnics.

The Federal Ministry of Education disclosed this on Tuesday while unveiling the Revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, aimed at easing access to higher education without compromising standards.

According to the new framework, mathematics remains compulsory for science, technology, and social science courses, while English language remains mandatory across all disciplines. For non-science courses at the polytechnic level, a minimum of four credit passes including English language is required, while colleges of education will demand English language for arts and social sciences, and mathematics for science and vocational programmes.

The ministry said the reform will remove unnecessary barriers that have long hindered many qualified candidates from gaining admission. It also aims to expand annual admission capacity from about 700,000 to over one million students nationwide.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the decision was part of efforts to ensure fairness and opportunity. “Every year, over two million candidates sit for the UTME, yet only about 700,000 gain admission. This reform will open access to an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students annually,” he said.

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Education analyst Ayodamola Oluwatoyin praised the move, describing it as a “brilliant reform” that will improve access and flexibility for students in the arts and humanities.