The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially reaffirmed that Mathematics remains a compulsory subject for all students taking O’Level examinations across the country. This announcement comes amid growing speculation and online debates suggesting that the subject might no longer be mandatory for students in the Arts and Humanities streams.
In a statement issued through the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), the government cleared the air, stressing that both Mathematics and English Language remain the two core foundational subjects required for every Nigerian student, irrespective of their chosen field of study.
Background: How the Confusion Began
In recent weeks, several social media posts and unofficial reports claimed that Mathematics had been removed as a compulsory requirement for certain categories of students — particularly those in Arts, Humanities, and Social Science disciplines.
The misleading reports quickly spread across schools, causing uncertainty among students, parents, teachers, and even school administrators who feared that the curriculum structure was being fundamentally altered.
To address this, the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folashade, released an official clarification emphasizing that Mathematics is still compulsory for all O’Level candidates.
FG’s Clarification on Mathematics Requirement
According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, what was reviewed was not the compulsory status of Mathematics, but rather its grading relevance for specific tertiary admission courses.
She explained that while Mathematics may not be a required credit pass for certain Arts and Humanities programmes, it remains compulsory for every student to register and sit for the subject in their O’Level examinations such as WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB.
In her words:
“Mathematics and English Language remain the bedrock of communication, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Every student must be taught, examined, and graded in these core subjects at all levels of education in Nigeria.”
This clarification aims to correct earlier misinterpretations that had been circulating, reassuring students and educators that Mathematics has not been removed from the national curriculum.
Understanding the New Policy Context
The Federal Ministry of Education’s latest stance is linked to the review of admission guidelines for tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Under the new framework, while Mathematics remains compulsory to sit for, a credit in Mathematics may not be mandatory for admission into certain Arts or Humanities programmes.
For instance:
- Courses like Theatre Arts, Linguistics, Mass Communication, or Religious Studies may now accept students who do not have a credit in Mathematics.
- However, for Science, Engineering, Technology, and Business-related disciplines, a credit pass in Mathematics remains non-negotiable.
This flexibility, according to the ministry, is designed to broaden access to higher education and to allow students to pursue career paths that align with their strengths and interests without being unfairly limited by subject areas unrelated to their chosen fields.
Implications for Students, Teachers, and Parents
1. Students Must Still Sit for Mathematics
Every O’Level candidate must register for Mathematics and English Language — regardless of their intended career path. Even if a credit in Mathematics is not required for your desired course, the attempt is still mandatory.
2. Schools Must Continue Teaching Mathematics
Schools are advised not to remove Mathematics from their teaching timetable or discourage students from taking the subject. The Federal Government insists it remains part of the national curriculum, and every student must be assessed in it.
3. Admission Seekers Should Verify Course Requirements
The ministry advises students to check specific admission criteria for their chosen universities and courses, as the relevance of Mathematics may differ across programmes. While some Arts or Humanities courses may not require a credit pass, Science and Commercial courses still do.
4. Teachers and Counselors Should Guide Students Properly
Educators have been urged to guide students correctly to avoid misinformation and ensure that no student skips Mathematics in their examination registration due to misunderstanding of the new policy.
Why Mathematics Remains Crucial for All Learners
The Federal Government’s insistence on retaining Mathematics as a compulsory subject is grounded in its belief that basic numeracy and problem-solving skills are vital in every profession.
Mathematics enhances:
- Logical reasoning – critical for making sound decisions in everyday life.
- Analytical skills – applicable across fields like management, social sciences, and technology.
- Data interpretation and budgeting – essential for entrepreneurship and civic responsibility.
Even in fields like journalism, fine arts, and literature, mathematical thinking fosters precision, structure, and creativity — qualities that drive innovation.
FG’s Broader Educational Reform Goals
This clarification aligns with the Federal Government’s broader objective to restructure Nigeria’s education system in line with global standards. The Ministry of Education has emphasized its commitment to improving foundational literacy and numeracy skills among students.
Part of this effort includes:
- Continuous curriculum review to ensure relevance to modern learning needs.
- Strengthening teacher training in core subjects like Mathematics and English.
- Expanding STEM education while promoting flexibility for non-STEM learners.
- Encouraging digital learning tools to make mathematics more practical and relatable.
Public Reaction to the Announcement
Following the clarification, many parents and educators have expressed relief, applauding the government for promptly addressing the misinformation.
Some education stakeholders, however, have urged the Ministry to ensure clear communication of all future policy changes to avoid confusion among students and examination boards.
Teachers also highlighted the need for continuous awareness campaigns in schools so that guidance counselors and principals can accurately inform students about the new admission policies.
