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The Federal Government has swiftly reversed its controversial policy decision that would have made Mathematics non-compulsory for students seeking admission into terti
ary institutions for Arts and Humanities courses.
The reversal, announced via the Federal Ministry of Education, follows a public outcry and strong condemnation from parents and teachers across the country.
Just a week after the sparking celebration among some Arts and Humanities students, the Federal Ministry of Education issued a clarifying statement yesterday, Monday, insisting that Mathematics remains a mandatory subject for all prospective tertiary students.
The initial announcement, made last Tuesday, had declared that the subject would no longer be compulsory for university, polytechnic, college of education, and Innovation Enterprise Institution admission requirements for Arts and Humanities courses.
However, the Director, Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, Boriowo Folasade, clarified the government’s position in a statement titled, ‘English and Mathematics remain compulsory for all O’level students —FG clarifies streamlined admission requirements.’
The statement explicitly maintained that English and Mathematics are vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning, stating: “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 Ministry explained that the new policy was intended to introduce a “more inclusive and flexible approach to tertiary admission requirements” and was only an adjustment to admission criteria, not a change to the requirement to take the subjects.
The reversal comes after significant pushback from key stakeholders. The National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) was among the most vocal groups opposing the initial waiver.
Speaking to newsmen yesterday, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NAPTAN, Ogunbanjo, had slammed the idea as “misguided and risky,” arguing that Mathematics remained vital to all disciplines, including the arts and humanities.
Ogunbanjo asserted that basic numeracy skills were essential for most professions and entrepreneurial ventures in the competitive modern economy. He advocated that while an advanced grasp might not be necessary, a pass grade in Mathematics should remain a prerequisite for higher institutions.
The Federal Ministry of Education is now urging students, parents and stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels for verified policy updates.
