FG Clarifies: English and Mathematics Still Compulsory for O-Level Students
In recent weeks, confusion has spread among parents, teachers, and students over reports that Mathematics may no longer be compulsory for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Some online publications and social media users claimed that the Federal Government had removed Mathematics as a requirement for certain courses. However, the Ministry of Education has now cleared the air, confirming that both English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory for all O-Level students.
Why the confusion started
The controversy began after an announcement that the Federal Government was reviewing admission guidelines to make them more flexible. Under the new system, tertiary institutions would be allowed to decide which subjects are necessary for specific programmes. For example, an arts or humanities course might not require a credit in Mathematics to admit a student. Unfortunately, this message was misunderstood and widely circulated as “Maths no longer needed for admission.”
The truth is that while institutions may now have some flexibility, every student is still required to register and sit for English and Mathematics in their O-Level exams (WAEC, NECO, or GCE). The Ministry described the two subjects as the foundation for learning, communication, reasoning, and career growth — skills essential across all fields of study.
What the FG actually changed — and what it didn’t
- Changed: The policy gives universities, polytechnics, and colleges more freedom to decide which subjects are required for each programme. For instance, a Fine Arts or Theatre Arts student might not need a credit in Physics or Chemistry. Similarly, some humanities programmes may be flexible with Mathematics credits, as long as the candidate attempted the subject.
- Not changed: All candidates must still register and sit for English Language and Mathematics during their O-Level exams. The subjects are regarded as core for all secondary school students in Nigeria, regardless of their intended field of study.
The Ministry of Education stressed that these subjects are part of the essential literacy and numeracy skills every Nigerian student must possess. According to the government, removing them completely would harm the quality of education and reduce the global competitiveness of Nigerian graduates.
Do you still need credits in English and Maths for admission?
Yes — absolutely. While the flexibility policy allows schools to adjust requirements for certain departments, most tertiary institutions still demand credit passes in both English and Mathematics for admission. Courses in science, social science, and technology cannot be studied without good grades in these subjects. For example, engineering, medicine, computer science, accounting, and economics all require credit passes in English and Mathematics as basic qualifications.
However, some arts-related programmes like History, Theatre Arts, or Linguistics may consider candidates with a pass (not necessarily a credit) in Mathematics. Even in those cases, candidates must have written the subject. Skipping it completely during registration is not allowed and can render an O-Level result incomplete.
Impact on students and parents
This clarification should guide both students and parents in making the right educational decisions. Many schools had started advising arts students that they could skip Mathematics in their WAEC registration, which could have caused long-term consequences for admission and employment opportunities. The Federal Government’s reaffirmation now clears any doubt: no student should leave out Mathematics or English when registering for O-Level exams.
Parents are advised to encourage their children to take both subjects seriously and not rely on shortcuts. For students who struggle with Mathematics, remedial lessons or extra coaching can make a big difference before examination time. Both subjects carry equal importance — English develops communication and comprehension skills, while Mathematics trains logic, accuracy, and problem-solving ability.
How this affects teachers and schools
Teachers and school administrators are expected to continue registering all candidates for English Language and Mathematics as mandatory subjects in both internal and external examinations. Schools must not mislead students into thinking that they can ignore Maths or English. The clarification also places a responsibility on guidance counsellors to provide accurate information during subject selection for senior secondary classes.
Education experts also warn that even if a particular course allows flexibility, many future opportunities — including employment and professional licensing — still require credit passes in English and Mathematics. For instance, government jobs, military recruitment, and corporate employment all list these subjects as compulsory qualifications.
Steps for students preparing for O-Level
- Register early: Make sure your school registers you for both English and Mathematics during WAEC or NECO registration.
- Take both subjects seriously: Start revising early and practice past questions. You can find free materials on Alphayem Education.
- Retake if necessary: If you have a weak grade, register for GCE or NECO re-sit to improve your result.
- Ask for help: Join online study groups, tutorials, or classes for students struggling with core subjects.
What JAMB and schools will consider going forward
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will still include English Language as a compulsory subject in the UTME. Mathematics, on the other hand, remains required for science, commercial, and social science students. Arts students might be exempted depending on the course, but the O-Level record must still show the subject was attempted.
In essence, this clarification from the government doesn’t mean an end to Maths or English — it simply gives tertiary institutions a bit more freedom in how they use those results for admission. The policy aims to make the system fairer, not to reduce educational standards.
Bottom line
English Language and Mathematics form the backbone of modern education. They influence how students read, write, calculate, and reason through problems in all areas of life. The Federal Government’s latest statement only reinforces what has always been true — that students must sit both subjects at O-Level, regardless of their discipline or dream course. Parents and students should continue to prioritize them, knowing that these subjects remain the gateway to higher education and career success.
Before applying for any tertiary programme, candidates should carefully read the departmental requirements on the school’s official website or in the JAMB brochure to avoid costly mistakes. For continued updates on education and admission policies, visit Alphayem News for trusted information.
Internal Links:
- Education Updates on Alphayem
- Federal Government remove Mathematics as compulsory subjects for Art Students – What it means
Other Related Posts(Sources):
- Guardian Nigeria – FG makes U-turn on Maths Compulsory Policy
- Sahara Reporters – FG Reaffirms English and Maths Compulsory
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