The Federal Government has revised tertiary entry requirements, removing Mathematics as a compulsory subject for students seeking admission into Arts faculties in Nigerian universities
Mathematics No Longer Mandatory for Arts Students in Nigerian Universities — FG Announces New Admission Guidelines
In a major education reform, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially removed Mathematics as a compulsory subject for candidates seeking admission into the Faculties of Arts in Nigerian universities.
The decision was contained in the revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, released on Tuesday by the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to Folasade Boriowo, spokesperson for the Ministry, the new policy aims to remove barriers, democratise access to higher education, and empower Nigerian youths through fairer admission processes.
The updated framework applies to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs) across the country.
The statement further disclosed that the National Industrial Diploma (NID) previously awarded by IEAs will be phased out and replaced with the National Diploma (ND) to ensure uniformity, credibility, and improved progression opportunities for graduates.
“The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) is currently re-accrediting all IEAs nationwide to align with the new ND standards. Institutions that fail to transition to full accreditation will be de-accredited,” the statement added.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, explained that the policy overhaul was necessary after years of restricted access to tertiary education that left many qualified candidates unable to secure admission.
“Every year, over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), yet only about 700,000 gain admission,” Alausa said.
“This imbalance is not due to a lack of ability, but to outdated and overly stringent entry requirements that must give way to fairness and opportunity.”
Highlights of the New Entry Guidelines
Under the new framework, the long-standing rule requiring five credits, including English and Mathematics, for all tertiary programmes has been adjusted.
While a credit pass in English Language remains compulsory, Mathematics is no longer required for admission into Arts-related courses.
According to the Ministry, the reform is expected to create opportunities for an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students to be admitted into tertiary institutions annually.
“It reflects our firm commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian youth has a fair chance to learn, grow, and succeed — putting the Renewed Hope Agenda into action,” the Ministry said.
Summary of New Entry Requirements
- Universities: Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language (Maths required only for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses).
- Polytechnics (ND Level): Minimum of four (4) credits, including English for non-science courses and Mathematics for science-related programmes.
- Polytechnics (HND Level): Minimum of five (5) credits, including English and Mathematics.
- Colleges of Education (NCE Level): Minimum of four (4) credits, with English mandatory for Arts and Social Sciences, and Mathematics required for Science, Vocational, and Technical programmes.
- Colleges of Education (B.Ed Level): Minimum of five (5) credits, including English Language and Mathematics, depending on course of study.
- Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs): To adopt the same requirements as Polytechnics for ND programmes. The National Innovation Diploma(NID) is now abolished.
