English and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for O’Level examinations – FG

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students sitting for O’Level examinations, despite recent adjustments to tertiary admission requirements.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Federal Ministry of Education clarified that the new policy on streamlined admission criteria does not exempt candidates from registering for or sitting the two core subjects.

According to the statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the clarification followed widespread misinterpretation of the newly introduced O’Level admission framework.

Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the reforms were designed to promote flexibility, inclusiveness, and fairness in tertiary education admissions, ensuring qualified students are not denied opportunities due to deficiencies in subjects irrelevant to their chosen fields of study.

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“The streamlining ensures that deserving students are not denied access to higher education because of credit deficiencies in subjects that are not directly related to their intended programmes,” Alausa stated.

He added that the framework aligns with global best practices and addresses imbalances in the old system by allowing institutions to admit candidates into certain programmes where credit passes in either subject are not mandatory. However, all students are still required to register and sit for both English and Mathematics.

The ministry further emphasised that the adjustment only affects admission requirements for specific courses and does not remove the obligation to study or take the subjects.

“All students must continue to take both subjects as part of their Senior School Certificate Examinations, as they remain vital components of a solid educational foundation,” the statement read.

It reiterated that the policy aligns with the government’s broader goals of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development while maintaining education quality and integrity.

The ministry also urged students, parents, and stakeholders to rely solely on its verified communication channels for accurate information on policy updates.

Earlier reports by PUNCH Online had suggested that senior secondary students in arts and humanities streams would no longer be required to have credit passes in Mathematics to gain admission into tertiary institutions a claim the ministry has now clarified.

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