By Emiola Osifeso
The Federal Government has clarified that all secondary school students in Nigeria must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O’Level examinations, dispelling widespread misconceptions that the subjects have been made optional following the introduction of new, streamlined tertiary admission guidelines.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, the government emphasized that the ongoing reform of O’Level admission criteria is designed to promote flexibility, inclusiveness, and fairness, not to exempt students from studying or writing the two core subjects.
The clarification came amid growing confusion and debate on social media and within academic circles after the ministry announced adjustments to the O’Level admission framework, which many had misinterpreted as a relaxation of the English and Mathematics requirements for higher education entry.
According to the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, the new policy framework is part of a broader effort to modernize Nigeria’s education system and ensure that admission processes into tertiary institutions reflect the evolving realities of global education standards.
Dr. Alausa explained that while English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects that every student must register and sit for, the new admission framework gives tertiary institutions greater flexibility to determine whether a credit pass in these subjects is essential for certain specialized courses.
“This reform does not abolish English or Mathematics as core subjects,” the Minister stated. “Rather, it acknowledges that not all academic disciplines require the same level of proficiency in these areas for success. However, every student must still take both subjects at the O’Level stage because they form the bedrock of communication, reasoning, and intellectual development.”
He further clarified that the essence of the policy is to ensure capable and deserving students are not unfairly excluded from tertiary education opportunities due to minor deficiencies in non-critical subjects, especially when they demonstrate competence in core areas directly related to their chosen field of study.
For instance, a student seeking admission into Fine Arts or certain vocational programs may not be denied entry simply because of a credit shortfall in Mathematics, provided they meet other academic and aptitude criteria relevant to their field.
The Federal Ministry of Education explained that the streamlining initiative was designed after a thorough review of international educational systems and admission models in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, and Malaysia, where institutions apply more flexible and context-specific criteria.
Officials said the reform aims to correct systemic imbalances in the Nigerian education system, where rigid subject requirements have historically prevented many talented students from progressing academically despite their strengths in specific disciplines.
“We cannot continue with a one-size-fits-all model in education,” a senior official in the ministry noted. “The global trend is towards inclusivity creating pathways for learners with diverse strengths. Our policy reflects that same vision without compromising quality or national standards.”
The ministry stressed that the reform is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy for human capital development, which includes expanding access to quality education, enhancing vocational and technical training, and bridging the gap between formal learning and employable skills.
Despite the flexibility in admission criteria, the Federal Ministry reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain foundational subjects for all students. Both disciplines are considered essential for effective communication, problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and lifelong learning.
“Every student must continue to take English Language and Mathematics as part of their Senior School Certificate Examination,” the statement emphasized. “The adjustment affects only how tertiary institutions may consider specific combinations of results for different programs, not the requirement to study or sit for these subjects.”
The ministry further reiterated that no student will be exempted from registering for or writing these subjects in any recognized O’Level examination including WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB.
Educational experts have praised this reaffirmation, noting that English and Mathematics serve as unifying academic tools that cut across all disciplines and are vital for literacy, numeracy, and social functionality.
The announcement has been welcomed by several education stakeholders, including teachers’ unions, examination bodies, and parent associations.
Mr. Emeka Obidike, a senior education consultant and former WAEC examiner, described the clarification as “a timely intervention to calm misconceptions,” adding that the reform will “strike a balance between maintaining standards and fostering inclusiveness.”
The National Parents-Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) also lauded the ministry’s decision to sustain English and Mathematics as core subjects, describing them as “the intellectual spine of every educated society.”
“We support flexibility in tertiary admissions,” said Mrs. Rahmat Abiola, NAPTAN’s spokesperson, “but we must never lose sight of the fact that every child, regardless of future ambition, needs a firm foundation in literacy and numeracy.”
The Federal Ministry of Education cautioned students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely solely on official communication platforms of the ministry including its verified social media handles and website for accurate and up-to-date information on education policies, reforms, and national examinations.
The ministry expressed concern over the spread of misleading information by unverified online platforms and urged the public to disregard unauthorized interpretations of government directives.
“Education reforms are sensitive and far-reaching. Misinformation can cause panic or confusion among students and institutions,” the statement read. “We encourage the public to always verify information directly from the Ministry or recognized agencies.”
Reaffirming its core mission, the Ministry stated that the ongoing reforms are consistent with the Federal Government’s drive to build a credible, inclusive, and globally competitive education system anchored on integrity, excellence, and equal opportunity for all learners.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the new policy does not signify a lowering of standards but an adaptation to a more balanced and responsive education model, one that recognizes different learning strengths while maintaining academic rigor and national coherence.
He added that the Ministry will continue to collaborate closely with regulatory bodies such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to ensure that the policy is smoothly implemented.
The Federal Ministry of Education’s clarification underscores the delicate balance between preserving academic integrity and promoting inclusiveness in Nigeria’s education sector.
By insisting that all students continue to study and sit for English Language and Mathematics while allowing flexibility in admission requirements, the Federal Government aims to build an education system that both recognizes talent and aligns with the global shift toward competency-based learning.
As the policy enters its implementation phase, the Ministry reaffirmed that equity, access, and quality remain the guiding principles of Nigeria’s education reform ensuring that no capable student is left behind and that every learner, regardless of background or interest, has a fair opportunity to achieve their fullest potential.
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