FM Education Nigeria English and Mathematics O-level policy
It appears that the recent statement attributed to the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) claiming that both English and Mathematics are now compulsory for all O-level students is inaccurate given the latest published guidelines. In fact, what the government announced is almost the opposite of that claim.
According to the newly published national guidelines for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, English Language remains a compulsory subject across all fields. However, Mathematics is no longer mandatory for all students; it is now required only for those applying to science, technology and social science programmes.
The reforms were introduced with the aim of widening access to higher education, acknowledging that the previous policy requiring both credits in English and Mathematics for admission into higher institutions had created a barrier for many candidates.
In summary: while English remains compulsory for all O-level certification for tertiary admission purposes, Mathematics is not compulsory for all O-level students under the new policy — only for those pursuing science, technology and social sciences.
