In a significant policy shift, the Federal Ministry of Education has announced that senior secondary school students pursuing careers in Arts and Humanities will no longer be required to obtain a credit pass in Mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) as a prerequisite for admission into Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
The decision, revealed on Tuesday in Abuja, marks a major departure from the long-standing admission requirement, which mandated that all university and polytechnic applicants—regardless of discipline—must secure credit passes in five core subjects, including Mathematics and English Language, in examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).
According to the ministry, the move is aimed at aligning admission requirements with the academic and professional needs of students in the Arts and Humanities, where proficiency in Mathematics is not always essential.
“This policy adjustment is to ensure that our education system better reflects the realities of different academic disciplines,” a ministry spokesperson stated.
“While Mathematics remains crucial for students in the sciences and other quantitative fields, it is not always directly relevant to the study of disciplines such as History, Languages, Literature, and Theatre Arts.”
The announcement has been met with mixed reactions across educational and academic circles. Some educators praised the decision, arguing that it removes an unnecessary barrier for talented students in the Arts who may struggle with Mathematics. Others, however, have expressed concern over potential implications for academic standards and the versatility of graduates.
For decades, Mathematics has been a non-negotiable requirement for admission into most Nigerian tertiary institutions, often contributing to high rejection rates among otherwise qualified candidates in non-scientific fields.
With this policy change, candidates in the Arts and Humanities will still be required to obtain credit passes in English Language and other relevant subjects within their chosen fields.
The new directive is expected to take effect beginning with the 2025/2026 academic admission cycle.
What This Means for Students:
- Applies only to Arts and Humanities candidates
- Mathematics no longer a required credit for admission
- English Language remains compulsory
- Policy affects WAEC and NECO candidates
Stakeholders in the education sector are expected to convene in the coming weeks to discuss guidelines for the implementation of the new policy across institutions.
