JUST IN: Mathematics No Longer Compulsory for Arts and Humanities Admissions – Education Ministry

The Federal Ministry of Education has announced that a credit pass in Mathematics will no longer be required for students seeking admission into arts and humanities programmes in Nigerian universities and polytechnics.

The decision was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo.

For several years, candidates applying to higher institutions, regardless of their chosen field, were required to obtain five credit passes, including Mathematics and English Language, in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). The new policy removes this requirement for arts and humanities students.

According to the statement, the change is part of the revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, which are designed to remove barriers to access while maintaining academic standards.

Under the new framework, universities will require a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Mathematics remains compulsory only for candidates applying for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.

For polytechnics at the National Diploma (ND) level, applicants must have a minimum of four credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language for non-science courses, while Mathematics remains mandatory for science-related programmes. At the Higher National Diploma (HND) level, five credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, are required.

Colleges of Education will require a minimum of four credit passes in relevant subjects, with English Language compulsory for Arts and Social Science programmes, and Mathematics required for Science, Vocational, and Technical courses.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the policy change as a deliberate step to expand access to tertiary education and to make admission requirements more inclusive for students pursuing studies in the arts and humanities.