FG drops Mathematics as compulsory subject for Arts and Humanities Admissions

In a policy shift that has stirred mixed reactions within the education sector, the Federal Government has removed Mathematics as a compulsory requirement for admission into Arts and Humanities programmes in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The new directive, announced on Tuesday by the Federal Ministry of Education, marks a significant departure from the long-standing rule mandating both English Language and Mathematics as core subjects for all students seeking admission into universities and polytechnics.

Before now, candidates across all disciplines from Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities were required to obtain at least five credit passes in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), including English and Mathematics, to qualify for tertiary education.

However, according to a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, the reviewed policy forms part of the revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions. The ministry said the reform was introduced to remove what it described as “unnecessary barriers while maintaining academic standards.”

The investigative checks by our correspondent reveal that the new framework, which applies to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Institutions nationwide, aims to streamline entry qualifications in line with the peculiar needs of each discipline. Education analysts have long argued that the blanket requirement of Mathematics for non-quantitative fields like Law, Theatre Arts, and Mass Communication limited access for otherwise qualified candidates.

Under the new arrangement, Mathematics will remain mandatory only for students seeking admission into Science, Technology, and Social Science programmes. For Arts and Humanities, the primary focus will now be on English Language and other relevant subjects. For polytechnic admissions, Mathematics remains a requirement at the Higher National Diploma (HND) level but not for all National Diploma (ND) courses, depending on the field of study.

Officials at the ministry noted that the changes were not designed to water down academic quality but to align Nigeria’s education system with global best practices. The statement also clarified that English Language remains compulsory across all programmes, while subject relevance will now be determined by the intended course of study.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the development as a strategic reform to widen access to tertiary education and promote inclusivity. According to him, the policy change is part of the ministry’s ongoing review of entry requirements to ensure that no student is unfairly denied higher education opportunities due to rigid or outdated academic conditions.

Dr. Alausa explained that the new framework represents the government’s commitment to improving equity within the education system. He said the move would particularly benefit students with strong performance in Arts-related subjects but weak grades in Mathematics, who had previously been excluded from their preferred fields of study.

While the implementation of the new guideline has been welcomed by several education stakeholders, others have called for proper monitoring to prevent a decline in academic standards. The Ministry of Education, however, insists that the decision balances inclusivity with quality assurance, marking a new phase in Nigeria’s education reform agenda.