Abuja: The Federal Government has reiterated that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students at the O’Level. This confirmation comes amidst recent misconceptions regarding the streamlining of admission requirements into tertiary institutions.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, made the announcement in a statement released to newsmen in Abuja. The statement quotes the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, clarifying that the recent reforms do not exempt any student from registering or sitting for English and Mathematics during their O’Level examinations.
Alausa explained that the new policy introduces a more inclusive and flexible framework for tertiary admission, aimed at ensuring that capable students are not unfairly denied entry into higher institutions due to deficiencies in non-core subjects. He stated that while the reform allows institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes without necessarily requiring credit passes in either English or Mathematics, all students must still register and sit for both subjects.
The minister emphasized that this reform supports the Federal Government’s vision of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, broadening academic pathways and recognizing diverse strengths among learners. Alausa described the move as a step toward realizing these goals, noting that English and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning. He clarified that the adjustment affects only the admission criteria and not the requirement to take these subjects.
Alausa further urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels for verified policy updates to avoid misinformation.