Mathematics No Longer Mandatory for Arts Students – Federal Government Approves New Admission Guidelines

The Federal Government has approved sweeping reforms to admission requirements across all tertiary institutions in Nigeria, introducing a more flexible and inclusive framework aimed at expanding access to higher education.

This change follows the official endorsement of the National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, as announced in a statement by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.

Spearheaded by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the new policy is designed to democratize access to tertiary education, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to the ministry, the reform marks a significant step toward promoting educational equity and driving national development.

Dr. Alausa explained that the overhaul was necessary to eliminate outdated and restrictive admission policies that had previously denied access to many qualified candidates. While over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) each year, only about 700,000 are admitted an issue the Minister attributed to rigid entry criteria, not a lack of ability.

“The current imbalance must give way to fairness and opportunity. No capable student should be denied a future because of obsolete rules,” he said.

Key Changes in the New Guidelines:

• Universities: Candidates must have a minimum of five credit passes, including English Language, in no more than two sittings. Mathematics is now optional for Arts students but remains compulsory for Science, Technology, and Social Science programmes.
• Polytechnics (ND Level): Minimum of four credits, with English required for non-science courses and Mathematics mandatory for science-related fields.
• Polytechnics (HND Level): Minimum of five credits, including English Language and Mathematics.
• Colleges of Education (NCE Level): At least four credits. English is compulsory for Arts and Social Science courses; Mathematics is required for Science, Vocational, and Technical programmes.
• Colleges of Education (B.Ed Level): Five credits, including English and Mathematics, based on the course of study.
• Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs): Will now follow the same ND requirements as Polytechnics. The previously awarded National Innovation Diploma (NID) has been replaced with the National Diploma (ND) to standardize qualifications across institutions.

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been instructed to re-accredit all IEAs to comply with the new standards. Institutions failing to meet full accreditation will be de-accredited.

Dr. Alausa projected that the reforms could open up space for an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students to gain admission each year.

“Our youth are the heartbeat of this nation,” he stated. “This policy ensures that every Nigerian youth has a fair chance to acquire quality education and skills needed for personal and national development.”

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to inclusive education, youth empowerment, and human capital development in line with its Renewed Hope Agenda.