The Federal Government has clarified that Mathematics remains a compulsory subject for all candidates sitting for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), despite the recent review of tertiary institution admission policies.
This clarification comes after the Federal Ministry of Education announced last week that arts students would no longer be required to have a credit in Mathematics to gain admission into certain tertiary programmes. The announcement sparked nationwide debate, with many interpreting it as a move to downgrade the subject’s importance.
However, in a fresh statement issued by ministry spokesperson Boriowo Folasade, the government emphasized that Mathematics, alongside English Language, remains a mandatory subject for all SSCE candidates.
“The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirms that all students must register for and sit English Language and Mathematics in their SSCE,” the statement read. “The recently announced policy only streamlines O-Level admission requirements for specific tertiary programmes. It does not make Mathematics optional.”
The ministry explained that the updated policy introduces greater flexibility in university admissions, especially for students applying to programmes where a credit in Mathematics is not directly relevant.
“The goal is to align with global best practices and ensure that capable students are not denied access to higher education due to deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their field of interest,” the statement added.
It reiterated that while admission criteria may now differ based on programme requirements, the educational value of Mathematics and English remains unchanged.
“These two subjects are foundational for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning. All students are still required to study and sit for both as part of their SSCE,” the ministry stressed.
