A file photo of candidates taking an examination

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that mathematics remains a compulsory subject for all candidates sitting for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), despite recent adjustments to tertiary institution admission requirements for arts and humanities students.

This clarification comes following widespread public debate over a statement issued last week by the Federal Ministry of Education, which suggested that arts students would no longer need a credit in mathematics to gain admission into tertiary institutions.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the ministry’s spokesperson explained that the policy adjustment only affects the admission criteria for certain programmes, not the core subjects required at the secondary school level.

“The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified the intent behind the recently streamlined O-Level admission requirements into tertiary institutions, reaffirming that all students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics for their O-Level examinations,” the statement read in part.

The ministry further emphasised that the new policy does not make mathematics optional for SSCE candidates. Instead, it seeks to create a more inclusive and flexible admission process that allows capable and deserving students to pursue higher education without being hindered by credit deficiencies in subjects not directly related to their chosen disciplines.

“The adjustment affects only the admission criteria for certain programmes, not the requirement to study or sit for these subjects,” the ministry reiterated.

According to the statement, the review aligns with global best practices and aims to balance academic standards with access to education, ensuring that no student is unjustly denied tertiary admission due to a lack of credit in non-core subjects.

The ministry also stressed that both English language and mathematics remain essential tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning.

“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,” it added.

The clarification follows growing agitation from education stakeholders and members of the public, who had expressed concern that relaxing mathematics requirements for arts students could weaken academic standards at the secondary school level.

With this clarification, the federal government appears keen to dispel misconceptions and reassure parents, educators, and students that the nation’s educational foundation remains anchored on core competencies in English and mathematics.