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Nigerian government reaffirmed that all students must continue to register and take English Language and Mathematics for their O-Level examinations.
The Nigerian government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students registering and taking O-Level examinations across the country.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, clarified the intent behind the recently streamlined O-Level admission requirements into tertiary institutions.
According to the statement, the Nigerian government reaffirmed that all students must continue to register and take English Language and Mathematics for their O-Level examinations.
The Ministry emphasised that the new policy does not exempt any candidate from registering or sitting for the two core subjects; instead, it introduces “a more inclusive and flexible approach to tertiary admission requirements.”
In the statement, Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the reform was designed to “promote flexibility, inclusiveness, and fairness in tertiary education admissions across the country.”
According to the minister, “the streamlining ensures that capable and deserving students are not denied access to higher education due to credit deficiencies in subjects that are not directly relevant to their chosen fields of study.”
Folasade stated that the justification for streamlining the O-Level admission guidelines was rooted in the need to modernise Nigeria’s education system in line with global best practices.
“The new framework corrects this imbalance by allowing tertiary institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where credit passes in either subject are not compulsory, while still mandating that all students register and sit for both subjects in their O-Level examinations,” the statement read.
Folasade further stated that the reform aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development.
“It broadens academic pathways, encourages diverse learning opportunities, and recognizes different intellectual strengths among students,” the statement added.
“By streamlining admission processes, the Ministry aims to remove unnecessary barriers without compromising the quality and integrity of education.”
According to the statement, the Nigerian government reaffirmed the central importance of English Language and Mathematics as “fundamental tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning.”
“All students must continue to take both subjects as part of their Senior School Certificate Examinations, as they remain vital components of a sound educational foundation,” Folasade stated.
The statement noted, “The adjustment affects only the admission criteria for certain programmes, not the requirement to study or sit for these subjects.”
Reiterating the government’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards, the Ministry of Education pledged to continue working closely with regulatory bodies, examination councils, and tertiary institutions to ensure smooth implementation of the new guidelines.
It also urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely only on official communication channels and verified social media platforms of the Federal Ministry of Education for accurate information on policies, reforms, and announcements.
“The Federal Ministry of Education remains steadfast in its mission to build a credible, inclusive, and globally competitive education system anchored on integrity, excellence, and equal opportunity for all learners,” Folasade stated.
The clarifications followed reports that circulated on the internet that the Nigerian government has removed English Language and Mathematics as compulsory subjects for secondary school students registering and sitting for O-Level examination in the country.
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