FG Clarifies: English, Mathematics Remain Compulsory for O-Level Students

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students sitting for the Ordinary Level (O-Level) examinations across the country.

The clarification was issued in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Education through a statement signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.

According to the statement, students are required to continue registering and sitting for both subjects in their O-Level examinations, as the new education reform does not exempt any candidate from the core subjects.

“The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that all students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O-Level examinations. The new policy does not exempt any candidate from these core subjects but rather introduces a more inclusive and flexible approach to tertiary admission requirements,” the statement read.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the reform seeks to promote fairness and inclusiveness in tertiary education by ensuring that capable students are not denied admission opportunities due to deficiencies in non-core subjects.

He noted that the streamlining of O-Level admission guidelines is designed to modernize Nigeria’s education system and align it with international standards. The reform allows tertiary institutions to admit candidates into certain programmes where credit passes in either English or Mathematics may not be compulsory, while maintaining that all candidates must still register and sit for both subjects.

Dr. Alausa emphasized that English and Mathematics remain foundational tools for effective communication, logical reasoning, and lifelong learning. He added that the adjustment only affects admission criteria, not the requirement to take the subjects.

The ministry further urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely on official communication channels for verified updates on government education policies to avoid misinformation.