The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students at the O’Level.
This clarification was issued in a statement released in Abuja on Sunday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo.
Boriowo explained that the statement became necessary following public misconceptions about the recently announced streamlining of admission requirements into tertiary institutions.
According to her, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stressed that the new policy does not exempt any student from registering or sitting for English and Mathematics during their O’Level examinations.
Alausa explained that the reform introduces a more inclusive and flexible framework for tertiary admissions, designed to ensure that capable students are not unfairly denied entry into higher institutions due to deficiencies in non-core subjects.
“It allows institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where credit passes in either English or Mathematics may not be compulsory, while still mandating that all students register and sit for both subjects,” he said.
The minister added that the reform aligns with the federal government’s vision of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, while recognising diverse academic strengths among learners.
He further noted that English and Mathematics remain essential for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning, clarifying that the adjustment affects only the admission criteria, not the requirement to take the subjects.
Alausa urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely solely on official government communication channels for verified policy updates to avoid misinformation.