The Federal Government has announced that Mathematics will no longer be a compulsory subject for students seeking admission into tertiary institutions to study Arts and Humanities-related courses.
The new policy, unveiled on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, by the Federal Ministry of Education, applies to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Institutions across Nigeria.
According to a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, the revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions aim to remove unnecessary barriers while maintaining academic standards.
“The revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are designed to remove barriers while maintaining academic standards,” the statement read in part.
Under the new framework:
• Universities: A minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Mathematics remains mandatory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.
• Polytechnics (ND Level): A minimum of four credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language for non-science courses, and Mathematics for science-related programs.
• Polytechnics (HND Level): A minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
• Colleges of Education (NCE Level): A minimum of four credit passes in relevant subjects, with English Language mandatory for Arts and Social Science courses, and Mathematics required for Science, Vocational, and Technical programs.
The ministry emphasised that the change is part of ongoing reforms to create a more inclusive education system while ensuring quality and relevance in tertiary education.
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