The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students registering for their O’Level examinations, despite the recent review of admission requirements into tertiary institutions.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Federal Ministry of Education explained that the new policy on streamlined admission criteria does not exempt any candidate from sitting for or registering the two core subjects.

The clarification, signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, followed widespread misinterpretation of the new O’Level admission framework.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the reform was designed to promote flexibility, inclusiveness, and fairness in tertiary education admissions, ensuring that qualified students are not denied access because of credit deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their chosen fields.

“The streamlining ensures that deserving students are not denied access to higher education due to credit deficiencies in subjects that are not directly relevant to their chosen fields of study,” Alausa said.

He noted that the updated framework aligns with global best practices and corrects long-standing imbalances in the previous admission system. While some programmes may no longer require credit passes in both English and Mathematics as a condition for admission, all students are still expected to register and sit for the two subjects.

The ministry stressed that the adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take or study the subjects.

“All students must continue to take both subjects as part of their Senior School Certificate Examinations, as they remain vital components of a sound educational foundation,” the statement partly read.

According to the ministry, the new policy supports the Federal Government’s broader objectives of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, while maintaining quality and integrity in the education system.

It also advised students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels and verified social media handles of the ministry for accurate policy updates.

The statement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a credible, inclusive, and globally competitive education system anchored on integrity, excellence, and equal opportunity for all learners.

Recall that reports had circulated recently claiming that students in the arts and humanities streams would no longer be required to obtain a credit in Mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examinations, a claim now clarified by the ministry as misleading.