No more mathematics credit needed for Arts, Humanities university admission — FG

The Federal Ministry of Education has announced a major policy change stating that senior secondary school students in the Arts and Humanities will no longer need to obtain a credit pass in Mathematics in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) to gain admission into Nigerian universities and polytechnics.

For many years, all admission seekers regardless of discipline were required to secure at least five credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, to qualify for higher education.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, the new directive is part of the revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions.

The policy aims to “remove barriers while maintaining academic standards” across the education system.

The updated framework applies to all universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies nationwide.

Revised Entry Requirements:

Universities: A minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Mathematics is now compulsory only for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.

Polytechnics (ND Level): At least four credit passes in relevant subjects. English Language is compulsory for non-science courses, while Mathematics is required for science-related programmes.

Polytechnics (HND Level): A minimum of five credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics.

Colleges of Education (NCE Level): At least four credit passes in relevant subjects, with English compulsory for Arts and Social Science courses, and Mathematics required for Science, Vocational, and Technical programmes.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the reform as a deliberate effort to broaden access to tertiary education and create more inclusive opportunities for students across the country.