The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain mandatory for all students sitting for O’Level examinations, despite ongoing reforms aimed at simplifying tertiary admission requirements.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Saturday, October 18, 2025, the government clarified that the recent policy adjustment does not exempt any student from registering or sitting for the two core subjects.
“All students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics for their O’Level examinations,” the Ministry stated, emphasizing that the new approach is designed to make tertiary education admissions more inclusive and flexible.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the policy was introduced to promote fairness and inclusiveness within Nigeria’s education system. According to him, the streamlining of O’Level admission criteria ensures that qualified students are not unfairly denied access to higher education because of deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their chosen courses.
Alausa noted that while some tertiary institutions may now admit students into specific programmes without requiring credit passes in either English or Mathematics, every student must still register and sit for both subjects during their O’Level examinations.
The Education Ministry said the reform aligns with the Federal Government’s broader commitment to equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development. It seeks to remove unnecessary barriers to higher education without compromising academic standards.
“By streamlining admission processes, the Ministry aims to enhance access and create multiple learning pathways for Nigerian students while upholding the quality and integrity of education,” the statement added.
The government also reiterated the importance of English and Mathematics as fundamental skills for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning, describing them as essential pillars of a strong educational foundation.
The Ministry assured stakeholders of its commitment to maintaining high educational standards and pledged continued collaboration with examination bodies, regulatory agencies, and tertiary institutions to ensure smooth implementation of the revised admission policy.
This clarification follows recent speculation that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) was no longer required for university admissions. The Ministry dismissed the reports, confirming that JAMB remains the legally mandated body responsible for conducting entrance examinations and coordinating admissions across all tertiary institutions.
Data from the Ministry shows that 1,635,881 candidates took the 2023/2024 JAMB examination, with 639,263 gaining admission. In the 2024/2025 session, over two million candidates sat for the exam, but only slightly more than 600,000 secured placements.
The government projects that the harmonised admission framework could open up opportunities for an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students annually, reduce the number of out-of-school youths, and strengthen vocational and technical education pathways.
The reforms are also designed to align Nigeria’s tertiary education system with global standards and industry demands.
