Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) candidates.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement on Sunday by Boriowo Folasade, spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, FG clarified that the recent changes to tertiary admission guidelines do not affect the secondary school curriculum.
The government said the clarification was necessary following public confusion over the reviewed admission policy announced last week.
According to the ministry, the policy adjustment announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, only applies to the admission process into higher institutions and not to SSCE requirements.
Alausa had explained that the reform aimed to democratise access to tertiary education and empower Nigerian youths, a move that triggered widespread debate across the country.
The ministry stressed that both English and Mathematics remain essential to Nigeria’s basic education system, describing them as core subjects that develop communication, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
It said, “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.”
Under the reviewed admission framework, students seeking entry into universities must still obtain at least five credit passes including English Language in not more than two sittings. Mathematics will, however, only be mandatory for those applying for programmes in science, technology, and social science fields.
Alausa defended the change, noting that the updated policy promotes inclusion and flexibility in the nation’s tertiary education system without lowering academic standards.
He said, “The streamlining ensures that deserving students are not denied access to higher education due to credit deficiencies in subjects not directly relevant to their chosen fields of study.”
The ministry further advised the public to disregard claims that Mathematics had been removed from the school curriculum, reaffirming that both subjects remain the cornerstone of Nigeria’s educational foundation.
