JAMB explains why Mathematics was removed from Arts admission criteria

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that the recent decision to remove Mathematics as a compulsory subject for admission into Arts and Humanities programmes in Nigerian tertiary institutions was aimed at curbing document forgery and easing the admission process for genuine candidates.

According to the Board, the adjustment became necessary after discovering that several candidates had resorted to falsifying Mathematics results to meet admission requirements for courses where the subject is not directly relevant.

A JAMB spokesperson explained that the decision followed wide consultations with key stakeholders in the education sector, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The new policy, he said, aligns with the Board’s mandate to ensure fairness, transparency, and academic relevance in its admission procedures.

He emphasized that while Mathematics remains compulsory for Science, Technology, Engineering, and certain Social Science disciplines, candidates pursuing Arts and Humanities courses will now be assessed primarily based on English Language and other relevant subjects.

Education experts have commended JAMB’s move, describing it as a pragmatic step that reflects the realities of different academic disciplines. However, they urged the Board to ensure that the reform does not lower educational standards.

The new policy is expected to take effect from the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) cycle.