English and mathematics remain compulsory for all O’level students - Minister

Sunday, October 19, 2025 - The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students sitting for their ordinary level (O’Level) examinations, despite recent confusion over education policy reforms.

In a statement issued on Sunday, October 19, by Boriowo Folasade, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the government clarified that students must continue to register and sit for both subjects, emphasizing that no new policy exempts them from doing so.

“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 aims to promote fairness and inclusiveness in tertiary education by ensuring that capable students are not denied admission due to deficiencies 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 noted that the streamlining of O-Level admission guidelines seeks to modernize Nigeria’s education system and align it with global best practices. The change allows institutions to admit students into specific programmes where credit passes in either English or Mathematics may not be compulsory for entry, but all candidates must still sit for both subjects during their examinations.

“The adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects,” the statement clarified.

The ministry stressed that English and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning, and the new policy supports 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 urged students, parents, and stakeholders to rely only on official communication channels for verified updates, cautioning against misinformation about the new education policy.