Mathematics still compulsory for all O’Level students– FG clarifies

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that Mathematics remains a compulsory subject for all students sitting for their O’Level examinations, clarifying earlier reports that suggested a policy reversal.

In a statement signed on Sunday by Mrs Boriowo Folashade, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, the government said the clarification became necessary following public misinterpretation of the ministry’s earlier announcement regarding tertiary admission criteria.

Mrs Folashade explained that although some tertiary institutions may now accept candidates into certain programmes without mandatory credit passes in English or Mathematics, “all students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations.

“This adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects,” she said.

The ministry noted that the earlier statement issued last Tuesday aimed to expand access to tertiary education for qualified candidates who had been previously denied admission opportunities due to limited subject flexibility.

“No, no U-turn — it’s a clarification on the streamlined admission requirements to expand access to tertiary education, please,” Mrs Folashade stated when asked if the new update represented a reversal.

She explained that the revised guidelines merely give universities and colleges discretion in programmes where a credit in either subject is not compulsory, but do not remove the subjects from examination requirements.

According to the statement, the reform aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development.

“English and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning,” the Ministry noted.

The Ministry urged students, parents, and stakeholders to rely on verified information from official government channels to avoid misinformation.

The clarification follows mixed reactions from educationists, some of whom had criticised the initial announcement as capable of lowering academic standards and encouraging laxity among students.