The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that Mathematics is no longer a compulsory requirement for students seeking admission into tertiary institutions to study Arts and Humanities. The new policy, revealed on Tuesday by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), aims to remove unnecessary barriers for admission while maintaining academic standards across Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

According to the revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, students in Arts and Humanities will now need a minimum of five credit passes, including English Language, in relevant subjects obtained in not more than two sittings. However, Mathematics remains compulsory for candidates applying to Science, Technology, and Social Science programs.

For polytechnics, the guidelines state that candidates for non-science courses only need credits in relevant subjects, including English Language, while Mathematics is required for science-related programs. Similarly, in colleges of education, English Language is compulsory for Arts and Social Science courses, while Mathematics is required for technical and vocational programs.

Education analyst Ayodamola Oluwatoyin commended the policy change, describing it as a step that would make tertiary education more accessible. He emphasized that the reform would help many students who have struggled with Mathematics gain entry into institutions of higher learning.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the reform reflects the government’s deliberate effort to expand access to tertiary education and make admission more inclusive for all categories of students. The new policy is expected to take effect immediately across all Nigerian tertiary institutions.