Students in the arts and humanities will no longer be required to have a credit in Mathematics in their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) — either from the West African Examination Council (WAEC) or the National Examination Council (NECO) — to secure admission into universities and polytechnics.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the reform as a deliberate move to expand access to tertiary education for more Nigerian students.
Credit scores in secondary school-level or O/Level Mathematics had traditionally been a compulsory requirement for admissions into tertiary institutions.
The policy shift was announced by the Federal Ministry of Education on Tuesday.
The ministry said the new rule was part of a broader revision of admission requirements.
For decades, students seeking admission into higher institutions across all disciplines — including arts, sciences, and social sciences — were required to present five credits, including Mathematics and English Language.
This policy has now been adjusted for arts and humanities candidates.
“The revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are designed to remove barriers while maintaining academic standards,” the ministry stated.
The updated guidelines will apply to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Institutions across Nigeria.
