The Federal Government has moved to clear up widespread confusion over recent education reforms, emphasizing that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students taking ordinary level examinations.
The clarification came in a statement released on Sunday by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, addressing concerns that recent policy changes had eliminated the requirement for these core subjects.
“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 declared. “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.”
The ministry explained that the confusion stemmed from misinterpretation of reforms designed to modernize admission criteria for tertiary institutions. According to Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the policy adjustment targets admission requirements rather than examination obligations.
“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 noted.
Under the new framework, students must still sit for both English Language and Mathematics during their O’Level examinations. However, the reform allows tertiary institutions flexibility in admitting students to specific programs where credit passes in either English or Mathematics may not be mandatory for entry, depending on the field of study.
“The adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects,” the ministry stressed, drawing a clear distinction between examination obligations and admission prerequisites.
The government positioned the reform as part of broader efforts to align Nigeria’s education system with international standards while expanding opportunities for students with diverse academic strengths. The ministry indicated that the streamlining of admission guidelines seeks to prevent capable students from being excluded from higher education due to weaknesses in subjects unrelated to their chosen fields.
The statement emphasized that English Language and Mathematics remain fundamental to the education system. “English and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning,” the ministry said, underscoring the continued importance of these subjects in developing well-rounded graduates.
Officials described the policy as supporting the federal government’s broader agenda on educational access 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,” according to the statement.
The ministry urged students, parents, and educational stakeholders to depend exclusively on official government channels for accurate information about policy changes. The caution against misinformation suggests that false or misleading interpretations of the reform had circulated widely, necessitating the clarification.
The announcement is expected to reassure students preparing for upcoming O’Level examinations that their preparation for English Language and Mathematics should continue as normal, while also providing clarity to tertiary institutions implementing the new admission guidelines.
