The Federal Government has reaffirmed that Mathematics remains a compulsory subject for all candidates sitting for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), despite recent adjustments to tertiary institution admission requirements.

The clarification follows widespread public debate over a statement issued last week by the Federal Ministry of Education, which appeared to suggest that arts students would no longer require a credit in Mathematics to gain admission into tertiary institutions.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Boriowo Folasade, explained that the new policy does not make Mathematics optional for SSCE candidates.

“The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified the intent behind the recently streamlined O-Level admission requirements into tertiary institutions, reaffirming that all students must continue to register and sit for English Language and Mathematics for their O-Level examinations,” the statement read in part.

According to the ministry, the policy review only introduces a more flexible admission framework for certain programmes but does not exempt students from taking or studying English and Mathematics.

“The adjustment affects only the admission criteria for specific programmes, not the requirement to study or sit for these subjects,” the ministry clarified.

It added that the revised policy aligns with international best practices, ensuring that capable students are not denied access to higher education because of deficiencies in subjects unrelated to their chosen fields.

The statement further emphasized that English Language and Mathematics remain “fundamental tools for communication, reasoning, and lifelong learning.”

“All students must continue to take both subjects as part of their Senior School Certificate Examinations, as they remain vital components of a sound educational foundation,” the ministry stated.