The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all O-Level students in Nigeria, regardless of their intended field of study. The announcement comes amid recent reforms aimed at streamlining tertiary admission requirements and reducing barriers to higher education.
In a statement issued on 18 October 2025, the Ministry emphasized that while adjustments have been made to improve flexibility in the admission process, core academic standards will be upheld. The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, stated that the reforms are designed to promote equity and inclusion without compromising the integrity of Nigeriaโs education system.
โThere has been some misunderstanding regarding the new policy,โ Dr. Alausa said. โLet me be clear: all students must continue to register and sit for English and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations. These subjects are foundational and remain essential for academic progression.โ
The Ministry addressed growing misconceptions that the requirement for English and Mathematics had been removed, reiterating that students must still meet the minimum entry criteria for their chosen courses. The clarification follows concerns raised by educators and parents over the implications of the revised guidelines.
In a separate statement, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high educational standards while fostering a more inclusive system. It encouraged stakeholdersโincluding students, parents, and institutionsโto rely solely on official communication channels for accurate information regarding policy changes.
Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, urged media outlets and online platforms to verify information before publication to prevent misinformation and confusion within the education sector.
The Ministry concluded by restating its mission to build a credible, inclusive, and globally competitive education system, and pledged continued collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure transparency and fairness in the admission process.
