BREAKING: FG Abolishes Mathematics Requirement For Arts, Humanities Students Seeking University, Polytechnic Admission

In a landmark policy shift set to reshape Nigeria’s education landscape, the Federal Government has officially removed Mathematics as a compulsory requirement for students in the Arts and Humanities seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide.

For decades, Mathematics and English Language were the two immovable pillars of admission requirements into Nigerian higher institutions. But under the newly revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Tertiary Institutions, that long-standing rule has now been relaxed for non-science students.

According to a statement issued by Folasade Boriowo, spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, the reform is designed to eliminate unnecessary academic barriers while preserving high standards in tertiary education.

> “The revised guidelines aim to remove restrictions that have hindered access to higher education for thousands of deserving students, particularly those in the Arts and Humanities, without compromising academic excellence,” the statement read.

The new framework, which takes immediate effect, covers universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Institutions across the country.

Under the new directive:

Universities: Candidates must obtain at least five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, in not more than two sittings. Mathematics remains compulsory only for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.

Polytechnics (ND Level): Candidates require four credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language for non-science disciplines, and Mathematics for science-related programs.

Polytechnics (HND Level): A minimum of five credits, including English and Mathematics, is required.

Colleges of Education (NCE Level): Candidates must have at least four credits, with English Language compulsory for Arts and Social Science courses, and Mathematics mandatory for Science, Vocational, and Technical programs.


Speaking on the development, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, hailed the reform as “a deliberate and strategic step to expand access to tertiary education” and to “ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of discipline, has a fair chance to pursue higher learning.”

Education analysts have described the decision as a bold and progressive move that could drastically reduce admission rejection rates, especially for students who perform well in the Arts but struggle with Mathematics.

The new guidelines signal the government’s resolve to modernize Nigeria’s educational system in line with global best practices—prioritizing competence, inclusivity, and relevance over rigid, outdated requirements.