In a landmark move set to transform Nigeria’s tertiary education system, the Federal Government has officially removed the mandatory mathematics requirement for students seeking admission into universities and polytechnics to study arts and humanities courses. The new policy is designed to ease access to higher education while maintaining academic standards across all institutions.
The announcement came from the Federal Ministry of Education through its spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, who revealed that the change is captured in the newly updated National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions. According to her, the revised framework aims to eliminate outdated barriers that have for years restricted admission opportunities for students whose fields of study do not require mathematical proficiency.
Under the new guidelines, universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies across the country will now adopt subject requirements tailored to specific disciplines. Candidates applying to universities are expected to have at least five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. However, mathematics will only be compulsory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.
For those applying to polytechnics at the National Diploma level, a minimum of four relevant credit passes is required, with English Language mandatory for non-science courses and mathematics compulsory for science-related programs. At the Higher National Diploma level, students must still present five relevant credits, including both English Language and mathematics. Similarly, applicants to colleges of education must possess at least four credits in relevant subjects, with English Language compulsory for Arts and Social Science students, while mathematics remains a requirement for Science, Vocational, and Technical fields.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the reform as a deliberate and inclusive effort to widen access to tertiary education for students across all disciplines. He emphasized that many brilliant students in the arts and humanities have in the past been denied admission because they did not meet the mathematics requirement — a subject that holds little relevance to their chosen careers. According to him, the new policy corrects this imbalance and allows students to focus on subjects that align with their academic and professional interests.
“This is about fairness and relevance,” Dr. Alausa said. “Our goal is to ensure that admission requirements reflect the true nature of each field of study. Students who have the passion and potential to excel in the arts or humanities should not be limited by a subject that does not contribute meaningfully to their discipline.”
The reform has been widely praised by education experts and parents alike, who see it as a long-overdue adjustment that aligns Nigeria’s admission policies with global best practices. It is expected to open more opportunities for young Nigerians to pursue higher education in literature, history, languages, philosophy, and related fields without unnecessary academic restrictions.
By eliminating the mathematics barrier for non-science courses, the Federal Government has not only redefined access to higher learning but also sent a strong message about inclusivity, flexibility, and the importance of aligning education policies with the diverse strengths of students across the nation.