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ABUJA – The Federal Government has reversed its earlier position exempting Arts and Humanities students from the compulsory study of Mathematics, insisting that the subject remains a core requirement for all students sitting for O-Level examinations.
The clarification followed public outrage over an earlier report suggesting that Mathematics would no longer be compulsory for students seeking admission into tertiary institutions to study Arts and Humanities courses.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folashade, said the report misrepresented government policy.
“The Federal Ministry of Education did not remove Mathematics from the list of compulsory subjects,” she said. “What was reviewed is the grading and course relevance of the subject for certain Arts and Humanities programmes. All students must still register and sit for Mathematics and English Language in their O’Level examinations.”
Folashade stressed that both subjects remain essential to sound education. “Mathematics and English are the bedrock of communication, critical thinking and lifelong learning, and will continue to be taught and examined at all levels,” she added.
An education consultant, Dr. Amina Bello, welcomed the clarification but faulted the ministry’s earlier communication.
“It’s good that the government has cleared the air. But such sensitive policies should be communicated clearly to avoid misleading students and schools,” she said.
Under the revised admission guidelines, a credit in Mathematics may not be required for some Arts or Humanities courses, but candidates must still have attempted the subject in their O’Level examinations. English Language remains a compulsory credit for all courses.
