The Federal Government has announced a major reform in tertiary admission requirements, stating that students in the arts and humanities will no longer need a credit in mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) to gain admission into Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
The decision, confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) on Tuesday, applies to examinations conducted by both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).
For decades, admission seekers in all disciplines — including the arts — were required to have five credits, including English and mathematics, to qualify for admission into higher institutions. The new guideline changes that tradition.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, the reform is part of the revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, aimed at “removing unnecessary barriers while maintaining academic standards.”
Under the new framework:
Universities now require a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language. Mathematics remains mandatory only for candidates in Science, Technology, and Social Science fields.
Polytechnics (ND level) will accept four relevant credit passes, including English Language for non-science students, while Mathematics remains compulsory for science-related programmes.
Polytechnics (HND level) require five credits, including both English and Mathematics.
Colleges of Education (NCE level) demand at least four credits, with English mandatory for Arts and Social Science courses, and Mathematics required for Science, Vocational, and Technical courses.
Education analyst Ayodamola Oluwatoyin described the reform as “a brilliant step that will open doors for thousands of qualified students who were previously shut out due to rigid requirements.”
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the decision aligns with the government’s plan to expand access to tertiary education and increase the nation’s annual admission capacity from about 700,000 to one million students.
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“Every year, over two million candidates sit for UTME, but less than half gain admission — not because they’re unqualified, but because of outdated entry requirements,” Alausa said.
“This reform is a deliberate effort to create more opportunities and ensure fairness. We are putting the Renewed Hope Agenda into action by allowing more Nigerian youths to learn, grow, and succeed.”
The ministry estimates that the policy could create an additional 250,000 to 300,000 admission slots each year, easing pressure on prospective students and institutions alike.
Education observers have welcomed the move as a progressive shift that prioritises access and relevance over rigid uniformity, particularly for arts and humanities students whose career paths often do not require advanced mathematical skills.