The Federal Ministry of Education has approved sweeping revisions to the National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian tertiary institutions, removing Mathematics as a compulsory credit subject for students seeking admission into Arts and Humanities programs. The guideline applies to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs).
Previously, every candidate, regardless of chosen discipline, was required to obtain credit passes in a set of compulsory subjects including Mathematics and English. Under the new policy, Mathematics remains necessary only for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses. The revised framework retains the requirement of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, for Arts applicants.
Minister Maruf Tunji Alausa and the Ministry’s spokesperson Folasade Boriowo emphasized that the shift is aimed at increasing access to higher education, especially for students whose strengths lie in non-numerical disciplines. Officials estimate that this reform, along with related adjustments (such as phasing out the National Innovation Diploma in IEAs and raising accreditation standards), could allow an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students to gain admission annually.
The guidelines also specify that for polytechnics (ND level), candidates in non-science courses must have credit in relevant subjects including English; Mathematics stays required for science-related polytechnic programs. Colleges of Education (NCE level) will similarly require English Language for Arts & Social Science, while Mathematics will apply only to fields where relevant. IEAs will adopt the same standards as polytechnics for ND programs.
Critics, however, are voicing concerns that while the policy improves inclusivity, institutions must ensure that students admitted into Arts programs are supported in numeracy skills where needed, especially where course work intersects with data analysis, research methods, or quantitative components. There is also debate about whether removing strict Mathematics requirements could dilute perceived academic rigor in certain programs.