The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students sitting for their Ordinary Level (O’Level) examinations, putting to rest widespread confusion surrounding recent education policy reforms.
In an official statement released on Sunday, October 19, Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, clarified that all candidates must continue to register and sit for both subjects, emphasizing that no new policy exempts them from doing so.
“The new policy does not exempt any candidate from these core subjects but rather introduces a more inclusive and flexible approach to tertiary admission requirements,” the ministry stated.
According to the ministry, the recent reform seeks to promote fairness and inclusiveness in tertiary education by ensuring that qualified students are not denied admission due to deficiencies in non-core subjects.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the adjustment is designed to modernize Nigeria’s education system and align it with global best practices. Under the reform, some tertiary institutions may now admit students into specialized programmes where a credit pass in English or Mathematics is not mandatory for entry — but all candidates must still write both subjects during their exams.
“The adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects,” the statement stressed.
The ministry reiterated that English and Mathematics remain essential for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning, and that the new policy aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development.
“This reform supports the government’s vision of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, broadening academic pathways and recognizing diverse strengths among learners,” it added.
The Ministry also urged students, parents, and stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels for verified information and to disregard misleading claims circulating on social media about changes to O’Level requirements.
