Maths and English Remain Compulsory for O’Level Students — FG Clarifies Policy Update

Maths and English Remain Compulsory for O’Level Students — FG Clarifies Policy Update

The Federal Government confirms that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory for all O’Level students despite recent admission reforms.

Clarity Over O’Level Requirements

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students sitting for their O’Level examinations. This clarification comes in response to widespread confusion following the recent review of admission policies into tertiary institutions.

The announcement, made through the Federal Ministry of Education, emphasizes that while the new admission framework introduces flexibility, students are still required to register and sit for both core subjects.

Federal Ministry of Education’s Official Statement

According to a statement released by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, on behalf of the ministry, some individuals had misunderstood the new policy as eliminating the compulsory nature of English and Mathematics.

However, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, clarified that this is not the case. The reform, he explained, was introduced to enhance fairness, inclusiveness, and accessibility in tertiary education admissions — not to remove essential academic foundations.

“The streamlining ensures that 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,” Alausa said.

Key Highlights of the Revised Admission Framework

While the new framework allows institutions to be more flexible in certain subject requirements, it does not exempt students from taking English and Mathematics in their O’Level exams. Below are the main points to note:

1. Core Subjects Remain Mandatory – All students must register for both English Language and Mathematics in WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB examinations.
2. Policy Focuses on Admission Flexibility – The adjustment only affects admission criteria, not the examination requirements.
3. Alignment with Global Standards – The reform follows international best practices, allowing for flexibility while maintaining educational integrity.
4. Inclusivity and Access – The goal is to ensure that qualified students are not denied university admission because of credit issues in unrelated subjects.

Global Relevance and Best Practices

Dr. Alausa further explained that the reviewed framework aligns with global education systems, where flexibility in subject combinations allows for fairer access without compromising quality.
For instance, in several countries, while Mathematics and English remain core learning areas, universities have autonomy to determine which subjects are essential for specific fields.

To learn more about how education systems are structured globally, you can visit:

• UNESCO Education Policies
• Federal Ministry of Education – Nigeria

Government’s Commitment to Quality Education

The Federal Ministry of Education reiterated that the updated admission policy supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government by promoting equitable access to quality education.

The statement highlighted that the reforms aim to:

• Strengthen Nigeria’s human capital development.
• Ensure inclusivity in tertiary education admissions.
• Maintain educational integrity while removing unnecessary barriers.

The Ministry also encouraged students, teachers, and parents to rely only on official communication platforms for accurate information and avoid misinformation spread on social media.

What This Means for Students and Parents

For current and prospective O’Level students, this means:

• English and Mathematics remain mandatory, regardless of your desired course of study.
• The flexibility in the new policy primarily affects how universities assess eligibility for specific programs, not what subjects students must sit for.
• To stay updated, always check verified educational sources such as WAEC Official Website or JAMB Official Portal.

Stay Informed and Prepared

Students are advised to prepare thoroughly for both English Language and Mathematics, as these subjects remain the foundation for all educational pathways.

Parents and guardians should also stay informed through verified education channels to ensure accurate understanding of ongoing reforms. For authentic updates, follow the Federal Ministry of Education’s official announcements on education.gov.ng.

Strong Foundation, Bright Future

The Federal Government’s clarification underscores a vital message — English and Mathematics are non-negotiable building blocks for academic success. While the revised admission framework offers more flexibility, it continues to uphold the nation’s commitment to high educational standards and fairness.

By maintaining these two subjects as compulsory, Nigeria ensures that every student, regardless of discipline, possesses the essential skills needed for communication, reasoning, and global competitiveness.

For the latest education updates, examination news, and student opportunities, visit trusted sources like Android Pols Education News and stay informed about the evolving landscape of Nigeria’s educational system.