Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory for all candidates sitting for O’Level examinations, regardless of recent changes to tertiary admission policies.
This clarification was made in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.
Boriowo said the ministry was addressing growing confusion sparked by the announcement of a new policy framework for university and college admissions.
Quoting the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, she noted that while the new policy offers greater flexibility in admission criteria, it does not remove the requirement for students to register and sit for English and Mathematics in their O’Level exams.
According to Alausa, the reform is designed to be more inclusive and adaptable, helping institutions admit qualified candidates even if they fall short in certain non-core subjects.
“This reform allows tertiary institutions to admit students into specific programmes where a credit in either English or Mathematics may not be mandatory for that course,” the minister explained. “However, it remains compulsory for all students to register and sit for both subjects during their O’Level exams.”
He added that the initiative aligns with the federal government’s broader vision of expanding access to education and recognising diverse learner strengths—without compromising on foundational knowledge.
“English and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, logical reasoning, and lifelong learning,” Alausa stressed. “This adjustment only affects admission criteria, not the academic requirement to study these subjects.”
The minister also urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to disregard unofficial reports and rely on verified information from the Ministry of Education.
“Misinformation spreads easily, so we encourage everyone to follow only official updates regarding education policies,” he said.
