English, Mathematics Remain Compulsory For All O’Level Students, FG Clarifies Streamlined Admission Requirements

By Daniel Dafe

The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified the intent behind the recently streamlined O-Level admission requirements into tertiary institutions, reaffirming that all students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics for their O-Level examinations.

Boriowo Folasade, Director, Press and Public Relations, said this in a statement on Saturday.

The Ministry emphasized that the new policy does not exempt any candidate from registering and sitting for these two core subjects but rather introduces a more inclusive and flexible approach to tertiary admission requirements.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, explained that the reform was designed to promote flexibility, inclusiveness, and fairness in tertiary education admissions across the country.

According to him, the streamlining ensures that capable and 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.

Adding: “The justification for streamlining the O-Level admission guidelines is rooted in the need to modernize Nigeria’s education system in line with global best practices.

“The new frame work corrects this imbalance by allowing tertiary institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where credit passes in either subject are not compulsory, while still mandating that all students register and sit for both subjects in their O-Level examinations.”

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He continued: “This reform aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development. It broadens academic pathways, encourages diverse learning opportunities, and recognizes different intellectual strengths among students. By streamlining admission processes, the Ministry aims to remove unnecessary barriers without compromising the quality and integrity of education.

“The policy also reinforces the central importance of English Language and Mathematics as fundamental tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning. 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 adjustment affects only the admission criteria for certain programmes, not the requirement to study or sit for these subjects.”

The Federal Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to maintaining high educational standards while promoting equity and inclusion. It will continue to work closely with regulatory bodies, examination councils, and tertiary institutions to ensure the smooth implementation of the new guidelines in line with national education objectives.

The Ministry further urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels and social media platforms of the Federal Ministry of Education for accurate and up-to-date information regarding all policies, reforms, and announcements.

“The Federal Ministry of Education remains steadfast in its mission to build a credible, inclusive, and globally competitive education system anchored on integrity, excellence, and equal opportunity for all learners,” the statement concluded.