The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students registering for O’Level examinations across Nigeria.
This clarification was made by the Federal Ministry of Education following public misunderstanding of the recently announced reforms on tertiary admission requirements. The Ministry explained that while the policy introduces greater flexibility and inclusiveness in admission processes, it does not exempt any student from registering or sitting for English and Mathematics.
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The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, stated that the reform aims to promote fairness and expand access to higher education without compromising academic standards. He noted that the initiative ensures that capable students are not denied admission due to deficiencies in subjects not directly related to their intended courses of study.
According to the Minister, the streamlined O’Level guidelines are part of efforts to modernize Nigeria’s education system in line with global best practices, allowing institutions to determine specific programme requirements while maintaining the national standard of compulsory English and Mathematics for all candidates.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that both subjects remain fundamental tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning, and must be taken by every student as part of the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE). The adjustment, he explained, affects only the admission criteria for certain courses, not the requirement to study or sit for the subjects.
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The Ministry reiterated its commitment to equity, inclusion, and human capital development, and assured the public that it will continue to collaborate with regulatory bodies, examination councils, and tertiary institutions for smooth implementation of the new guidelines.
Students, parents, and other stakeholders were advised to rely on official communication channels of the Federal Ministry of Education for accurate information regarding all education policies and reforms.
Read Full Press Statement
18th October, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS REMAIN COMPULSORY TO REGISTER AND SIT FOR BY ALL O'LEVEL STUDENTS: FG CLARIFIES STREAMLINED ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified the intent behind the recently streamlined O-LeveI admission requirements into tertiary institutions, reaffirming that all students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics for their O-LeveI examinations. The Ministry emphasized that the new policy does not exempt any candidate from registering and sitting for these two core subjects but rather introduces a more inclusive and flexible approach to tertiary admission requirements.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, explained that the reform was designed to promote flexibility, inclusiveness, and fairness in tertiary education admissions across the country. According to him, the streamlining ensures that capable and deserving students are not denied access to higher education due to credit deficiencies in subjects that are not directly relevant to their chosen fields of study.
The justification for streamlining the O-Level admission guidelines is rooted in the need to modernize Nigeria's education system in line with global best practices. The new framework corrects this imbalance by allowing tertiary institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where credit passes in either subject are not compulsory, while still mandating that all students register and sit for both subjects in their O-Level examinations.
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This reform aligns with the Federal Government's commitment to equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development. It broadens academic pathways, encourages diverse learning opportunities, and recognizes different intellectual strengths among students. By streamlining admission processes, the Ministry aims to remove unnecessary barriers without compromising the quality and integrity of education.
The policy also reinforces the central importance of English Language and Mathematics as fundamental tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning. All students must continue to take both subjects as part of their Senior School Certificate Examinations, as they remain vital components of a sound educational foundation. The adjustment affects only the admission criteria for certain programmes, not the requirement to study or sit for these subjects.
The Federal Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to maintaining high educational standards while promoting equity and inclusion. It will continue to work closely with regulatory bodies, examination councils, and tertiary institutions to ensure the smooth implementation of the new guidelines in line with national education objectives.
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The Ministry further urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels and social media platforms of the Federal Ministry of Education for accurate and up-to-date information regarding all policies, reforms, and announcements.
The Federal Ministry of Education remains steadfast in its mission to build a credible, inclusive, and globally competitive education system anchored on integrity, excellence, and equal opportunity for all learners.
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
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