By Naija247news – Abuja | October 20, 2025 – The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all candidates sitting for their ordinary level (O’Level) examinations, dispelling widespread speculation that recent education reforms had removed the requirement.
In a statement released on Sunday, October 19, Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, clarified that all students are still required to register and sit for both subjects, stressing that no policy exempts candidates from taking English or Mathematics.
“The Federal Ministry of Education wishes to clarify that all students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations,” the statement read.
“The new education policy does not exempt any candidate from these core subjects. Instead, it introduces a more flexible and inclusive approach to tertiary admission requirements.”
According to the ministry, the ongoing education reform is designed to expand access and equity in tertiary education by ensuring that students with strong academic potential are not barred from university admission solely due to deficiencies in non-core subjects.
Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, explained that the reform “aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and modernization of Nigeria’s education system,” emphasizing that the flexibility applies only to admission criteria, not examination requirements.
“The adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects,” the statement reiterated.
The ministry said the streamlining of O-Level admission guidelines is part of a broader effort to modernize Nigeria’s education system and align with global best practices, particularly in recognizing diverse learning strengths and academic pathways.
While certain tertiary institutions may now allow entry into specific programmes where credit passes in either English or Mathematics are not compulsory, all candidates must still sit for both subjects during their examinations, the ministry clarified.
English and Mathematics, it noted, remain foundational to communication, analytical reasoning, and lifelong learning — essential skills for Nigeria’s human capital development goals.
“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 added.
The Ministry urged students, parents, and stakeholders to verify all education-related information through official government channels, warning against misinformation circulating on social media about the new admission guidelines.
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Reporting by Naija247news in Lagos, Nigeria.
