The Federal Government confirms English and Mathematics remain compulsory O’Level subjects, clarifying that recent admission reforms do not remove this requirement.
The Federal Government has restated that English and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students at the O’Level, despite the recent review of tertiary admission policies.
This announcement aims to correct the growing public misconception that the new reform eliminates the need to study or pass these vital subjects.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, clarified that the newly announced tertiary admission reform was misunderstood by many Nigerians.
She explained that while the new policy aims to simplify entry into higher institutions, it does not abolish the requirement for students to register and sit for English and Mathematics during their O’Level examinations.
Boriowo quoted the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, as saying that the reform was introduced to create a more inclusive education system that allows students with different strengths to pursue higher education without being unfairly denied opportunities due to weaknesses in non-core subjects.
According to Dr. Alausa, the Federal Government education policy promotes flexibility and fairness in tertiary admissions.
He stated that institutions now have the autonomy to admit candidates into certain programmes where a credit pass in either English or Mathematics may not be compulsory for admission, while still maintaining the requirement that every student must register and sit for both subjects.
“The new framework,” the minister explained, “aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of equity, inclusivity, and human capital development. It recognises that not every learner excels in all subjects but should still have a fair chance to further their education.”
He emphasised that English and Mathematics remain crucial tools for communication, reasoning, and problem-solving, serving as the foundation for lifelong learning and professional advancement.
“No student should interpret the reform as an excuse to neglect these core subjects,” he said, adding that the government remains committed to maintaining educational standards.
Dr. Alausa reiterated that the adjustment only affects the admission criteria, not the O’Level subjects themselves. The policy simply provides flexibility for institutions and learners, enabling them to focus on strengths while ensuring that all students continue to study and attempt the two compulsory subjects.
He warned that misinformation about government policies could cause unnecessary confusion, urging students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely exclusively on official communication channels for accurate updates from the Ministry of Education.
“We want Nigerians to understand that reforms are designed to open doors, not to compromise standards,” he stressed.
The minister also linked the reform to the government’s broader agenda of promoting an inclusive education system that recognises diversity in learning capabilities.
According to him, the policy supports students who excel in technical, vocational, or creative disciplines but may have struggled with one of the two subjects.
“Our goal is to ensure that no capable learner is left behind,” Alausa added.
Boriowo further highlighted that English and Mathematics remain central to the nation’s human capital development goals. She noted that both subjects are indispensable in communication, technology, governance, and economic participation.
“Every modern economy relies on literacy and numeracy as the foundation for progress,” she explained.
Education analysts have commended the government for addressing the misinformation promptly, describing the clarification as timely and necessary.
They noted that while the reform aims to create more flexible academic pathways, it does not undermine the importance of English and Mathematics in the education system.
Experts also pointed out that the clarification helps sustain public confidence in Nigeria’s education policy direction.
According to them, clear communication from government authorities ensures transparency and prevents policy misinterpretation by the public.
Stakeholders have called on schools and examination bodies to strengthen awareness campaigns about the new policy so that students understand the difference between subject registration and admission flexibility. They believe that effective sensitisation will help students make informed academic decisions and prevent misconceptions.
Dr. Alausa also encouraged school administrators and guidance counsellors to support students in preparing adequately for both subjects, emphasising that proficiency in English and Mathematics remains critical for personal development, employability, and national growth.
“Our education system must equip learners with skills that make them useful to society,” he said.
The Federal Government education policy continues to prioritise inclusivity, equity, and innovation in learning. Authorities have promised continued investment in curriculum development, teacher training, and digital learning infrastructure to ensure that students are prepared for global competitiveness.
Observers say the government’s firm stance on maintaining English and Mathematics as compulsory subjects reflects its commitment to international academic standards. In most countries, these subjects are considered essential for both academic progression and workforce readiness.
The new admission reform, they note, seeks to balance standardisation with flexibility—ensuring that students from different educational backgrounds can access tertiary education without compromising academic quality.
The Federal Government has made it clear that English and Mathematics remain compulsory O’Level subjects for all students. The ongoing education reform only modifies how institutions assess eligibility for specific courses but does not remove the requirement to study and attempt these subjects.
By reaffirming this position, the government underscores its unwavering commitment to maintaining educational standards while promoting equity, inclusivity, and human capital development across the country.
The clarification provides reassurance to students and parents alike that the integrity of Nigeria’s education system remains intact and future-focused.
More news at ireport247news
