FG Removes Mathematics as Mandatory Requirement for Arts and Humanities Admissions in Tertiary Institutions

In a major policy shift aimed at expanding access to higher education, the Federal Ministry of Education has announced that a credit pass in Mathematics will no longer be a compulsory requirement for students seeking admission into Arts and Humanities programmes across Nigerian universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Institutions.

The announcement, made on Tuesday in Abuja by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, represents a significant departure from the long-standing admission criteria that mandated five credit passes including English and Mathematics for all candidates seeking entry into tertiary institutions.

According to the Ministry, the revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are part of broader educational reforms designed to eliminate unnecessary academic barriers while maintaining quality and standards in the nation’s education system.

Under the new policy, Mathematics will remain a core requirement for candidates applying to science, technology, engineering, and certain social science-related programmes, while English Language continues to be compulsory across all disciplines.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that the reform reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusivity and equity in the education sector. He explained that the decision was taken to give more students the opportunity to pursue their academic interests in Arts and Humanities without being hindered by subject requirements that do not align with their fields of study.

The new framework takes immediate effect and is expected to guide admission processes in the 2025/2026 academic session. Educational stakeholders have welcomed the move as a progressive step toward aligning Nigeria’s education system with global best practices and promoting greater access to tertiary education.