The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially removed Mathematics as a compulsory subject for students seeking admission into arts and humanities programmes in Nigerian universities.
The announcement was made following the release of the revised National Policy on Admission Requirements into Tertiary Institutions, unveiled by the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
According to the new directive, arts and humanities students will now need five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, while Mathematics will no longer be mandatory for admission into degree programmes in those fields.
Speaking on the development, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the reform was designed to expand access to higher education and remove unnecessary academic barriers that have over time hindered many talented students from pursuing their preferred courses.
>“This reform reflects our commitment to inclusivity and educational flexibility,” Alausa stated. “For too long, many creative and linguistically gifted students have been denied admission because of Mathematics, even when their disciplines do not require it. This policy seeks to correct that imbalance while maintaining academic integrity.”
Under the new framework, the government outlined the following changes:
For science, technology, and social science courses, Mathematics remains a compulsory subject.
For arts and humanities programmes, Mathematics is no longer mandatory.
For polytechnic National Diploma (ND) courses, English Language is compulsory for non-science students, while Mathematics remains required for science-related disciplines.
For Higher National Diploma (HND) admissions, five credits including English and Mathematics will still be required.
At the colleges of education (NCE level), English Language is compulsory for arts and social sciences, while Mathematics remains required for science, vocational, and technical programmes.
Education experts and student bodies have hailed the development as a progressive and long-overdue policy, arguing that it will allow more students with strong aptitude in arts, culture, and languages to pursue their dreams without being held back by their performance in Mathematics.
A senior lecturer in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Lagos, Dr. Grace Ojo, described the move as “a step in the right direction,” adding that it aligns with global academic practices.
“In most parts of the world, Mathematics is not a prerequisite for studying history, languages, or philosophy. This new guideline will bring Nigeria closer to international admission standards,” Ojo said.
Students have also reacted positively to the announcement. Kehinde Adeyemi, a secondary school leaver in Lagos aspiring to study Theatre Arts, said the policy gives her “a renewed sense of hope.”
“I’ve always wanted to study Theatre Arts, but Mathematics was my biggest challenge,” she said. “Now I can focus on the subjects that really define my passion.”
The Ministry of Education said the new policy takes effect from the 2025/2026 academic session, and all tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, are expected to align their admission processes with the updated framework.
Dr. Alausa emphasised that the reform was not aimed at lowering academic standards, but at ensuring equitable access and fairness in Nigeria’s education system.
“We are building a system that recognises different forms of intelligence,” he said. “Every student should have a fair chance to succeed in their chosen field.”
The decision marks the first major review of tertiary admission requirements in over a decade, underscoring the government’s broader effort to promote inclusive, diversified, and skills-oriented education across the country.
