The Federal Government has clarified that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students sitting for the Senior School Certificate Examinations.
This follows public misinterpretation of the recently announced review of admission requirements into tertiary institutions.
In a statement issued Sunday, the Federal Ministry of Education clarified that the revised framework only affects admission criteria — not examination requirements.
“All students must continue to register for and sit the two core subjects,” the statement said.
The statement, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, emphasised that the new policy does not exempt candidates from taking English and Mathematics.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the reform is intended to enhance flexibility, fairness, and inclusion in tertiary admissions.
He said the change allows students with deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their intended fields to still gain admission.
“The streamlining ensures that deserving students are not denied access to higher education due to credit deficiencies in irrelevant subjects,” the Minister said.
He noted that the new approach aligns with global best practices and corrects longstanding imbalances in the previous system.
Under the revised policy, institutions may admit students into certain programmes without requiring credit passes in either English or Mathematics — depending on the course.
However, this does not affect the requirement to study and sit the subjects at O’Level.
“All students must continue to take both subjects as they remain vital components of a sound educational foundation,” the Ministry stated.
The government said the policy supports its broader goals of inclusive education, human capital development, and quality assurance.
It urged students, parents, and stakeholders to rely solely on official communication platforms for accurate updates.
The clarification comes days after the Minister announced that Mathematics would no longer be required for admission into certain arts programmes.
