Just In: Credit in Maths No Longer Mandatory for Arts Students’ University Admission

Just In: Credit in Maths No Longer Mandatory for Arts Students’ University Admission

The Federal Ministry of Education announced on Tuesday that Nigerian senior secondary school students specializing in arts and humanities will no longer be required to have a credit in mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), administered by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO), as a prerequisite for admission into universities and polytechnics.

Traditionally, admission candidates in arts and humanities, like those in science and social science fields, needed to secure at least five credits, including mathematics and English, to gain entry into higher institutions.

“The updated National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions aim to remove obstacles while preserving academic standards,” the ministry stated.

According to the new framework, which applies to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies across Nigeria:

. Universities require a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in no more than two sittings. Mathematics remains compulsory for science, technology, and social science courses.

. Polytechnics (ND Level) require at least four credit passes in relevant subjects, including English for non-science courses and mathematics for science-related programs.

. Polytechnics (HND Level) require five credit passes, including English and mathematics.

. Colleges of Education (NCE Level) require at least four credit passes, with English mandatory for arts and social sciences, and mathematics essential for science, vocational, and technical courses.

Folasade Boriowo, spokesperson for the ministry, emphasized these details in the official statement.

Education analyst Ayodamola Oluwatoyin praised this reform, describing it as “a brilliant step that will ease admissions and open opportunities for more applicants.”

Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa characterized the reform as a purposeful move to broaden access to tertiary education across Nigeria.