Esther Salifu
The Federal Ministry of Education has announced that a credit in Mathematics will no longer be mandatory for students seeking admission into arts and humanities programmes in Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
The decision, disclosed on Tuesday through a statement signed by ministry spokesperson Folasade Boriowo, marks a major shift from the long-standing policy requiring five credit passes including English Language and Mathematics for entry into higher institutions.
According to the ministry, the updated National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are designed to remove what it described as “unnecessary barriers” that have prevented many qualified students from pursuing their chosen fields of study, particularly in the arts and humanities.
Under the new directive, Mathematics will remain compulsory only for candidates applying to science, technology, and selected social science courses, while English Language will continue to be a mandatory requirement for all programmes.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa described the policy shift as a deliberate step towards inclusivity and expanded access to tertiary education.
“This reform is a bold and thoughtful effort to broaden access to higher education and open new academic opportunities for students in the arts and humanities,” Alausa said.
The directive takes immediate effect, with all universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Institutions expected to align their admission processes with the revised entry standards.
Education experts and student groups have welcomed the announcement, calling it a progressive shift that recognises the distinct skill sets required across different fields of study and offers greater flexibility for aspiring students.
