BREAKING: FG Scraps Mathematics Requirement for Arts Students’ Tertiary Admission

The Federal Government has announced that mathematics will no longer be a compulsory subject for Nigerian senior secondary school students seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in arts and humanities courses. The decision, made public on Tuesday, aims to broaden access to tertiary education without compromising academic standards.

For years, candidates seeking admission into all tertiary institutions have been required to obtain at least five credits in their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), including mathematics and English. Under the new guidelines, only students in science, technology, and social science courses will be required to have mathematics as a mandatory subject.

“The revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are designed to remove barriers while maintaining academic standards,” the Ministry of Education said in a statement.

According to the guidelines:

Universities: Minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Mathematics is mandatory only for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.

Polytechnics (ND Level): Four credit passes in relevant subjects, including English for non-science programs; mathematics remains compulsory for science-related courses.

Polytechnics (HND Level): Five credit passes, including English and mathematics.

Colleges of Education (NCE Level): Four credit passes, with English mandatory for Arts and Social Science courses, and mathematics required for Science, Vocational, and Technical programs.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the reform was part of a deliberate effort by the government to expand access to higher education.

The Ministry added that the policy would apply to all universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies nationwide.