FG Maintains Stand: English And Mathematics Remain Compulsory In O’Level Exams

According to Ireporter Online, the Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory for all students sitting for their Ordinary Level (O’Level) examinations across the country.

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

The ministry emphasized that despite recent reforms in tertiary admission policies, all candidates must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics in their O’Level examinations. The new education framework, it explained, is designed to promote inclusivity and flexibility in university admission processes rather than exempt students from the two core subjects.

According to the statement, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, stated that the reform aims to create a fairer and more inclusive education system, ensuring that capable students are not denied tertiary admission due to shortcomings in non-core subjects. He noted that the streamlined O’Level admission guidelines were part of the government’s broader effort to modernize Nigeria’s education system and align it with international standards.

Dr. Alausa further clarified that while institutions may now admit candidates into certain specialized programmes where a credit pass in either English or Mathematics may not be mandatory, all students are still required to register and take both subjects in their O’Level examinations.

The statement added that the policy aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of equitable access to education, inclusivity, and human capital development. It aims to recognize the diverse academic strengths of learners while maintaining the central importance of English and Mathematics as foundational tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning.

The ministry urged students, parents, and other stakeholders to disregard misinformation and rely strictly on official communication channels for accurate policy updates regarding examination and admission requirements.