The Federal Government has clarified that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students at the O’Level.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.
Boriowo said the clarification became necessary following misconceptions about the recently announced streamlining of admission requirements into tertiary institutions.
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She quoted the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, as emphasising that the reform does not exempt any student from registering for or sitting for English and Mathematics during their O’Level examinations.
According to Alausa, the new policy introduces a more inclusive and flexible framework for tertiary admissions, aimed at ensuring that capable students are not unfairly denied entry into higher institutions due to deficiencies in non-core subjects.
He explained:
“It allows institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where credit passes in either English or Mathematics may not be compulsory, while still mandating that all students register and sit for both subjects.
This reform supports the Federal Government’s vision of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, broadening academic pathways and recognising diverse strengths among learners.”
The minister described the policy as a step toward realising the Federal Government’s goal of promoting equity, inclusion, and human capital development.
“English and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning.
The adjustment affects only the admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects,” Alausa clarified.
He also urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels for verified policy updates to avoid misinformation.
