The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students registering for their O’Level examinations, despite recent reviews of tertiary admission requirements.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Education, the government clarified that the new policy on streamlined admission criteria does not exempt any student from registering or sitting for the two core subjects.
According to Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, the clarification became necessary following widespread misinterpretation of the updated O’Level admission framework.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the reform was designed to enhance flexibility, fairness, and inclusiveness in the admission process while ensuring that qualified students are not excluded because of deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their chosen fields.
He stated, “The streamlining ensures that 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.”
Okay News reports that the ministry emphasized that while certain programmes may not require a credit in both subjects for admission purposes, all candidates must still register and sit for both English and Mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examinations.
Alausa further noted that the new admission framework aligns with global education standards and corrects long-standing imbalances in the previous system, allowing tertiary institutions to assess students based on subject relevance to their chosen disciplines.
The ministry reiterated that the adjustment affects only admission criteria for some programmes and not the core requirement 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 vital components of a sound educational foundation,” the statement read in part.
The Federal Ministry of Education said the policy supports the government’s broader objectives of equity, inclusivity, and human capital development while upholding quality and integrity in the education system.
The ministry also urged students, parents, and other stakeholders to rely solely on verified information from official government communication channels to avoid misinformation regarding education reforms.
Reaffirming its commitment to educational excellence, the ministry pledged to continue building a credible and globally competitive system anchored on integrity, fairness, and equal opportunity for all learners.
