By Obasola Olatunde
New reforms by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education no longer makes Mathematics compulsory for arts, humanities students.
Announced on Tuesday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the new policy applies to all universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation enterprise institutes across the country.
According to a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, the revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are designed to remove barriers and improve access to higher education while maintaining academic standards.
“Mathematics remains compulsory only for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses,” the statement clarified.
Under the new framework, Arts and Humanities applicants will now require a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings for university admission.
At the polytechnic level, Mathematics will only be mandatory for science related programmes, while English remains compulsory for non-science courses.
Education analysts have hailed the reform as a welcome relief for many admission seekers who have struggled with the subject.
One expert, Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, described it as “a brilliant reform that will open doors to thousands of students and ease entry into higher institutions.”
Minister Alausa said the decision forms part of the government’s effort to expand access to tertiary education and align admission policies with modern realities.