U-Turn: FG bows to pressure, says Mathematics compulsory for admission into Arts, Humanities courses

The Federal Government has reversed its earlier decision to make Mathematics optional for students seeking admission into higher institutions.

The new announcement means Mathematics remains compulsory for all students.
The reversal came after strong reactions from parents and teachers, who said the initial waiver was a bad idea.

Last week, the government had said Mathematics would no longer be mandatory for students applying for Arts and Humanities courses in universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other institutions.

However, in a statement released yesterday by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, the government clarified that both English and Mathematics are still compulsory for all students at the O’level.

The statement, titled “English and Mathematics Remain Compulsory for All O’level Students — FG Clarifies Streamlined Admission Requirements”, explained that these two subjects are essential for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning.

It further stated that while the government is making admission policies more flexible and inclusive, it does not mean students can skip these core subjects.

The reforms are meant to expand learning opportunities and recognise different student strengths, not remove core educational standards.

The ministry urged students, parents, and stakeholders to depend only on official sources for accurate information about education policies.

Reacting to the reversal, the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) supported the move. The Chairman of NAPTAN’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Haruna Ogunbanjo, described the earlier policy as “misguided and risky.”

He explained that Mathematics is important in all areas, including arts and humanities, because every profession and business requires basic numeracy skills in today’s world.

Ogunbanjo said that while Arts students may not need advanced Mathematics, a pass in the subject should still be required for admission into higher institutions.

He urged education officials to carefully assess the impact of removing Mathematics from admission requirements.