The Federal Government has clarified that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students registering for O’Level examinations.
This clarification follows widespread public misunderstanding of the recently streamlined admission requirements into tertiary institutions, which had led to speculation that the two core subjects were no longer mandatory.
In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Federal Ministry of Education said the new policy does not exempt any candidate from registering or sitting for English and Mathematics but rather introduces a more flexible and inclusive approach to tertiary admissions.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, said the reform was designed to promote fairness and accessibility in the education system. He explained that the policy allows tertiary institutions to admit deserving candidates whose deficiencies in certain subjects do not directly affect their chosen fields of study.
“The reform does not remove English and Mathematics as mandatory examination subjects,” Alausa said. “All students must continue to register and sit for both subjects in their Senior School Certificate Examinations. The adjustment applies only to admission criteria for specific programmes.”
He added that the streamlining aligns with global best practices and the Federal Government’s commitment to equity, inclusivity, and human capital development.
According to the statement, English and Mathematics remain essential for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning, forming the foundation of quality education.
The Ministry urged students, parents, and stakeholders to rely on verified information from official communication channels to avoid misinformation about education reforms.
It reaffirmed the government’s resolve to sustain a credible, inclusive, and globally competitive education system anchored on integrity and equal opportunity for all learners.
