The Federal Government has officially removed Mathematics as a compulsory subject for students in the arts and humanities applying for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The decision, announced on Tuesday by the Federal Ministry of Education, marks a major shift in Nigeria’s decades-old admission policy that mandated credit passes in both English and Mathematics for all tertiary education aspirants.
According to the ministry, the new rule applies to candidates sitting for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO).
In a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, the change forms part of the revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, aimed at improving access and flexibility in higher education.
“This reform is designed to remove unnecessary academic barriers while maintaining quality standards,” Boriowo said.
“Mathematics remains compulsory for science, technology, and social science students, but not for those in the arts and humanities.”
Under the new policy, universities will require five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings.
Mathematics will only be mandatory for science, technology, and social science courses.
For polytechnics, applicants to National Diploma (ND) programs must present four credit passes, with English required for non-science courses and Mathematics for science-related ones.
At the Higher National Diploma (HND) level, candidates will still need five credits, including both English and Mathematics.
For Colleges of Education, four credits remain the minimum requirement, with English mandatory for arts and social sciences, and Mathematics for science, vocational, and technical programs.
Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa said the move aligns with the government’s goal of creating a more inclusive education system that recognises the different learning strengths across disciplines.
“We’re tailoring admission requirements to the realities of each field,” Alausa stated. “This will allow more students to pursue their passions without being unfairly restricted by a single subject.”
Meanwhile, the reform has been widely welcomed by education experts.
Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, an education analyst, described it as a “timely and progressive” decision that would boost access to tertiary education.
“Many talented students in the arts and humanities have been hindered for years because of Mathematics,” Oluwatoyin said.
“This new policy gives them a fair chance to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society.”
The ministry noted that the updated guidelines would take immediate effect and apply to all public and private tertiary institutions across the country.
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