The Federal Government has said that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all O’Level students, despite the recent review of tertiary admission requirements.
In a statement on Sunday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Ministry of Education explained that the clarification followed widespread misinterpretations of the new O’Level admission framework.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the reform was aimed at promoting flexibility and fairness in university and polytechnic admissions, not at removing the two core subjects from school requirements.
“The streamlining ensures that deserving students are not denied access to higher education due to credit deficiencies in subjects not directly related to their chosen fields,” Alausa said.
He added that while some programmes may not require credit passes in the two subjects for admission, all students must still register and sit for both in their Senior School Certificate Examinations.
According to the ministry, “All students must continue to take both subjects as part of their SSCE, as they remain vital components of a sound educational foundation.”
The ministry said the new policy only affects admission criteria for certain courses, not the requirement to study or write the subjects, stressing that the government’s goal is to maintain education quality while promoting inclusivity and access.
It also urged students, parents, and stakeholders to rely only on verified communication channels of the ministry for accurate information about education reforms.
