FG Clarifies: English and Mathematics Still Mandatory for All O’Level Students

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students at the O’Level, regardless of their field of study.

This clarification was issued in a statement on Sunday by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, amid public misconceptions surrounding the government’s recent review of tertiary admission requirements.

According to Boriowo, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that the new policy does not exempt any candidate from registering or sitting for English and Mathematics in their O’Level examinations.

“The reform allows institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where credit passes in either English or Mathematics may not be compulsory, while still mandating that all students register and sit for both subjects,” Alausa explained.

He said the initiative aims to create a more inclusive and flexible admission framework that ensures capable students are not unfairly denied access to higher education due to deficiencies in non-core subjects.

Alausa noted that the reform aligns with the federal government’s broader vision of promoting equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, while recognizing the diverse strengths and learning capacities of students.

“English and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning. The adjustment affects only the admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects,” the minister stated.

He further urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely on official communication channels for accurate updates to prevent the spread of misinformation about education policies.

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