... As Oloyede backs removal of Maths requirement for Arts, humanities admissions
ABUJA / IBADAN -- The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students at the O'Level, even as the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has backed the government's decision to exempt Mathematics as a mandatory admission requirement for candidates seeking to study Arts and Humanities courses in tertiary institutions.
The clarification, issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, followed public misconceptions over the recent streamlining of admission requirements into higher institutions.
According to Boriowo, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, explained that while the new policy provides more flexibility for tertiary admission, it does not exempt any student from registering or sitting for English Language and Mathematics at the O'Level.
He said the reform was designed to ensure that capable students are not unfairly denied admission into higher institutions because of deficiencies in non-core subjects, while still maintaining the standard that all students must attempt English and Mathematics.
Alausa stated: "It allows institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where credit passes in either English or Mathematics may not be compulsory, while still mandating that all students register and sit for both subjects.
"This reform supports the Federal Government's vision of equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, broadening academic pathways and recognising diverse strengths among learners."
The Minister further clarified that the adjustment affects only the admission criteria and not the requirement to take the two foundational subjects, which he described as "vital tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning."
He advised students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely solely on official communication channels of the Ministry for verified updates to avoid misinformation.
Meanwhile, in Ibadan, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the JAMB Registrar, has thrown his weight behind the policy, describing it as a realistic step aimed at curbing forgery and aligning with global academic standards.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Jihad Week of the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria (MSSN), University of Ibadan, and the inauguration of Ad-dhikr Magazine, Oloyede said the policy had existed for years but was not properly implemented.
He explained that the new directive would prevent unnecessary cases of result manipulation by candidates seeking admission into non-science disciplines.
"How will you say somebody who wants to study Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa or Arabic should be denied university admission for not having Mathematics, when such a person could go to London University to study Yoruba without Mathematics?" Oloyede asked.
"What the Ministry of Education is doing is realigning the policy with the reality on ground, and it is in our interest not to encourage forgery," he added.
Delivering a lecture on the theme "The Paragon." the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin urged Muslims to strive to be role models in conduct and character, noting that MSSN must continue to unite Muslims and promote the beauty of Islam through actions and not just words.
He praised MSSN's commitment to moral and spiritual development, urging members to remain disciplined and visionary.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Idris Adeoye, commended the founding fathers of MSSN for nurturing Muslim students and advised the youths to shun vices and maintain faith in the nation.
The Ameer of MSSN, University of Ibadan, Umar Faruq, decried rising moral decadence among youths and urged Muslim students to uphold righteousness in all spheres of life.
In his remarks, the Vice President of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, noted that MSSN has a vital role to play in national development and the promotion of education, calling for inclusivity and positive adaptation to societal changes.
Founded in 1954, the MSSN remains one of Nigeria's foremost student organisations, committed to advancing Islamic education, unity, and welfare through academic, social, and leadership initiatives across the country.
With the latest clarifications by the Federal Ministry of Education and endorsement by the JAMB Registrar, the federal government's education reform appears set to balance inclusivity with academic integrity, ensuring that while English and Mathematics remain compulsory at the O'Level, flexibility in admission policies recognises diverse academic potentials among Nigerian students.