The Federal Government has reiterated that English Language and Mathematics continue to be mandatory subjects for all students taking their ordinary level (O’Level) examinations, notwithstanding recent uncertainty surrounding education policy changes.
In a statement released on Sunday, October 19, by Boriowo Folasade, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the government made clear that students are required to keep registering and taking both subjects, stressing that no recent policy relieves them of this obligation.
“The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that all students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations,” the statement read. “The new policy does not exempt any candidate from these core subjects but rather introduces a more inclusive and flexible approach to tertiary admission requirements.”
According to the ministry, the reform is designed to foster fairness and inclusiveness in tertiary education by guaranteeing that capable students are not barred from admission because of weaknesses in non-core subjects.
“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the reform promotes fairness and inclusiveness in tertiary education by ensuring that capable students are not denied admission due to deficiencies in non-core subjects,” the statement added.
The ministry pointed out that the simplification of O-Level admission guidelines is intended to update Nigeria’s education system and bring it in line with global best practices. The modification permits institutions to accept students into particular programmes where credit passes in either English or Mathematics might not be required for entry, but every candidate must still take both subjects as part of their examinations.
“The adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects,” the statement clarified.
The ministry emphasized that English and Mathematics remain essential tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning, and the new policy aligns with the government’s vision for equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development.
“This reform supports the Federal Government’s vision of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, broadening academic pathways and recognizing diverse strengths among learners,” the statement said.
The ministry advised students, parents, and stakeholders to depend solely on official communication channels for confirmed updates, warning against misinformation regarding the new education policy.
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