Mathematics No Longer Compulsory for Arts Students – FG
The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a major reform in tertiary institution admission requirements, introducing a more flexible and inclusive framework to widen access to higher education across the country.
According to a statement released by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the new policy follows the approval of the National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria. The reform, driven by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, aims to democratize access to education and empower Nigerian youths in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The ministry described the new guidelines as “a major stride toward promoting inclusivity and advancing national development through equitable educational opportunities.”
Dr. Alausa explained that the review became necessary after years of rigid admission policies that excluded thousands of qualified candidates despite their academic competence. He revealed that while over two million candidates take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually, only about 700,000 gain admission — a disparity caused largely by outdated requirements rather than a lack of academic merit.
“This imbalance must give way to fairness and opportunity. Our goal is to ensure that capable and deserving candidates are not denied education because of obsolete policies,” Alausa said.
Under the new National Guidelines, admission requirements have been updated across universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs), while still upholding academic standards.
Key Highlights of the New Policy:
- Universities: Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, in not more than two sittings. Mathematics remains compulsory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses but is no longer compulsory for Arts students.
- Polytechnics (ND level): Minimum of four (4) credits in relevant subjects, including English Language for non-science courses and Mathematics for science-related programmes.
- Polytechnics (HND level): Minimum of five (5) credits, including English Language and Mathematics.
- Colleges of Education (NCE level): Minimum of four (4) credits — English is compulsory for Arts and Social Sciences, while Mathematics is required for Science, Vocational, and Technical courses.
- Colleges of Education (B.Ed level): Minimum of five (5) credits, including English Language and Mathematics, depending on the chosen course.
- Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs): To adopt the same requirements as Polytechnics for ND programmes. The government also announced the abolition of the National Innovation Diploma (NID), replacing it with the National Diploma (ND) for uniformity and credibility.
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to re-accredit all IEAs to align with the new ND standards, warning that institutions that fail to meet the requirements will face de-accreditation.
Dr. Alausa noted that the reform could enable 250,000 to 300,000 more students to gain admission annually, emphasizing that it marks a critical step toward inclusive education.
“Our young people are the heartbeat of this nation. This reform ensures that every Nigerian youth has a fair chance to learn, grow, and succeed. We are equipping them with the education and skills needed to fulfill their potential and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he stated.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education, human capital development, and youth empowerment, consistent with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
