Says Mathematics no longer Compulsory for Arts, Humanities Courses
The Federal Ministry of Education has announced that credit in mathematics in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) will no longer be a requirement for students seeking admission into arts and humanities courses in universities and polytechnics.
The statement, issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, marks a shift from the long-standing practice where admission seekers in arts and humanities were required to have five credit passes, including mathematics and English, to gain entry into higher institutions.
The ministry also approved a comprehensive reform of admission entry requirements into all tertiary institutions across the country, increasing the average annual intake from about 700,000 to one million students.
According to the government, the new policy aims to expand access to higher education and create opportunities for an additional 250,000 to 300,000 admissions each year.
The minister explained that the reform became necessary after years of limited access, which left many qualified candidates unable to secure admission despite meeting the required standards.
“Every year, over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), yet only about 700,000 gain admission. This imbalance is not due to lack of ability but outdated and overly stringent entry requirements that must give way to fairness and opportunity.
“The reform is a deliberate effort to expand access to tertiary education, creating opportunities for an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students each year. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian youth has a fair chance to learn, grow, and succeed—putting the Renewed Hope Agenda into action,’’ he said.
The revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are designed to remove barriers while maintaining academic standards.
