FG clarifies O-Level admission policy, says English, Mathematics remain compulsory

By Raphael Innocent –

The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory for all students at the O-Level examinations, despite recent adjustments to tertiary admission guidelines.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Ministry stated that “the new policy does not exempt candidates from registering or sitting for the two core subjects but rather introduces a more flexible and inclusive approach to tertiary education admissions.”

According to the statement, the reform aims to promote fairness, inclusivity, and access to higher education, ensuring that capable students are not denied admission due to deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their chosen fields of study.

It noted that the review aligns Nigeria’s education system with global best practices by modernizing the O-Level admission framework. The adjustment, it said, allows tertiary institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where a credit in either English or Mathematics may not be mandatory, while still requiring all students to register and sit for both subjects.

“The reform reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to equity, inclusivity, and human capital development,” it added, explaining that the initiative broadens academic pathways and encourages diverse learning opportunities without compromising educational quality.

It further emphasized that English Language and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning, stressing that the modification affects only the admission criteria for certain programmes, not the requirement to study or sit for the subjects.

Reaffirming its dedication to maintaining high educational standards, the Ministry said it would continue to work with regulatory bodies, examination councils, and tertiary institutions to ensure the smooth implementation of the new policy.

It also urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels and verified social media platforms of the Federal Ministry of Education for accurate and up-to-date information on education reforms and policies.