On October 14, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Education announced a significant change to the entry rules for tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Under the new guidelines, students applying to study subjects such as English, History, or Languages will no longer need a credit pass in Mathematics at O’Level to gain admission to universities. This move, led by Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, targets Arts and Humanities programs, while Mathematics remains a requirement for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses. English Language remains compulsory across all fields.
Dr. Alausa made the announcement through a statement from Folasade Boriowo, the Ministry’s Director of Press. The minister highlighted the wide gap between applicants and available spaces in higher education. Every year, more than 1.9 million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), according to figures from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for 2024. However, only about 700,000 secure admission spots, leaving over one million qualified young people without access. In 2024, a total of 1,904,189 candidates sat for the UTME. A significant proportion of these candidates, approximately 73.7% (or 1,402,490 candidates), scored below 200 marks. This outcome can largely be attributed to stringent entry requirements, such as the previous Mathematics rule, which has often been a barrier for many students attempting to meet the minimum score thresholds for admission.
The minister described the old system as unfair and outdated. “The reform has become necessary after years of restricted access that left many qualified candidates unable to secure admission,” the statement read. “Every year, over two million candidates sit the UTME, yet only about 700,000 gain admission. This imbalance is not due to a lack of ability but rather to outdated and overly stringent entry requirements that must give way to fairness and opportunity.” Officials expect the change to open doors for an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students each year, potentially boosting tertiary enrollment. Nigeria’s gross tertiary enrollment rate stands at just 10.17%, significantly lower than the global average of 40%, according to World Bank data. This low enrollment rate is part of a broader educational crisis in the country, compounded by the fact that 18.3 million children aged five to 14 are currently out of school, as reported by UNICEF in 2024. Experts argue that this large number of out-of-school children is directly linked to limited access to secondary and higher education. Addressing this challenge will require substantial investments in educational infrastructure and policies that expand access to quality education for all children in Nigeria.
The revised guidelines apply to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs). Here’s a breakdown of the minimum O’Level credit requirements based on the Ministry’s framework:
| Institution and Level | Minimum Credits Required | Key Subjects |
| Universities (all programs) | Five credits in relevant subjects, including English Language, in no more than two sittings | Mathematics mandatory for Science, Technology, and Social Science; not required for Arts and Humanities |
| Polytechnics (National Diploma – ND) | Four credits in relevant subjects | English for non-science; Mathematics for science-related fields |
| Polytechnics (Higher National Diploma – HND) | Five credits in relevant subjects | English and Mathematics both required |
| Colleges of Education (Nigeria Certificate in Education – NCE) | Four credits in relevant subjects | English for Arts and Social Science; Mathematics for Science, Vocational, and Technical |
| Colleges of Education (Bachelor of Education – B.Ed) | Five credits in relevant subjects | English and Mathematics, depending on the course |
| Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs) | Same as Polytechnics (ND) | National Innovation Diploma (NID) abolished; now aligns with ND standards |
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) is re-accrediting all IEAs to match these ND rules. Institutions that fail to comply will lose accreditation. This shift also phases out the National Industrial Diploma, replacing it with the ND for better uniformity and job prospects.
While the policy widens access, it sparked immediate debate. On October 20, 2025, the Ministry issued a clarification amid pushback from parents and teachers. Signed by Boriowo, it stressed that all Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) students must still register for and sit for Mathematics and English. “The adjustment only affects admission criteria for specific programs, not the requirement to take the subjects,” the statement read. “All students must continue to take both subjects as part of their Senior School Certificate Examinations, as they remain vital components of a sound educational foundation.” Dr. Alausa added, “The streamlining ensures that deserving students are not denied access to higher education due to credit deficiencies in subjects that are not directly relevant to their chosen fields of study.” This addressed rumors that Mathematics could be skipped entirely in school.
Critics, however, called for caution. Professor Anthony Kila, Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies, labeled the initial move a “very bad decision” during an ARISE TV interview. He argued that removing Mathematics from the entry requirements weakens university standards in a world reliant on quantitative skills. “Mathematics is essential for developing critical thinking, logic, and creativity, even for students pursuing non-STEM fields,” Kila said. He urged that better teaching resources—such as more classrooms, computers, and trained staff—be prioritized instead of easing requirements. Kila suggested custom Mathematics tracks, like statistics for literature students, and warned against lowering standards amid Nigeria’s foundational learning gaps. JAMB Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede supported the reform as a way to curb fake Mathematics credits in Arts applications, a common issue in past admissions.
For 2025 applicants, the new rules bring targeted changes. Arts and Humanities hopefuls need five credits, including English and relevant subjects like Literature or History, but no longer need Mathematics. Social Sciences like Sociology may also be exempt, though Economics and Accounting will still require it. Science fields retain the full load. JAMB’s 2024 UTME saw 565,988 candidates score between 200-249, and 29.3% of these candidates are now eligible under the new setup. Polytechnic ND non-science tracks drop to four credits, with English as the only required subject. Applicants should check JAMB brochures and university portals, as some B.Ed programs for teaching Mathematics or Technical subjects will retain the requirement.
A reporter from Fairview Africa took to the streets of Abuja to gauge public reaction to the policy. Interviews with residents revealed mixed responses. Miracle, a secondary school student, backed the change. “I support the opinion because the students who want to study languages won’t face difficulty now. Most of them are Arts students who avoided Science classes because of the fear of calculations, so now they can study without stress,” she said.
Nancy, another student, opposed the change. “I do not support that all students must study Mathematics. Some students might not really have an easy time with calculations, and they might not need it in their university courses,” she explained.
Usman Abubakar, a civil servant, agreed with the easing. “I think what the federal government did is right. If you’re going to study history, English, or languages, you don’t need Mathematics. It doesn’t matter,” he said.
These varied opinions reflect a divide: excitement for reduced pressure versus concern over potential skill gaps. The Ministry ties the reform to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to reduce out-of-school numbers, boost vocational training, and align with global standards. With 98 million out-of-school children across sub-Saharan Africa, including 20 million in Nigeria alone, per UNESCO, the policy could make a difference—but only if paired with improved secondary-level Mathematics teaching. As institutions update their portals ahead of the 2025 UTME registrations, the focus remains on balancing increased access with maintaining quality education standards in Nigeria.
