The Federal Ministry of Education has announced a major policy shift, declaring that senior secondary school students in the arts and humanities will no longer be required to have a credit in mathematics in their WAEC or NECO results to gain admission into universities and polytechnics.

Until now, students across all disciplines—including arts, sciences, and social sciences—were mandated to secure five credits, including English and Mathematics, to qualify for admission into tertiary institutions.

In a statement on Tuesday, ministry spokesperson Folasade Boriowo said the new directive is part of the revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, designed to remove unnecessary barriers while maintaining educational standards.

Under the new guidelines:

• Universities: Applicants must have at least five credits in relevant subjects, including English Language, in not more than two sittings. Mathematics is only compulsory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.
• Polytechnics (ND Level): Candidates must have a minimum of four credits, including English Language for non-science courses and Mathematics for science-based programs.
• Polytechnics (HND Level): A minimum of five credits, including English and Mathematics, is required.
• Colleges of Education (NCE Level): Applicants need four credits, with English mandatory for Arts and Social Science courses, and Mathematics for Science, Vocational, and Technical programs.

Education analyst Ayodamola Oluwatoyin praised the reform, saying it would make tertiary education more accessible to students who struggle with mathematics but excel in other areas.

“This is a brilliant reform that will open doors and make admission easier for many qualified candidates,” Oluwatoyin said.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the decision as a deliberate step toward expanding access to tertiary education and giving more Nigerians the opportunity to pursue their academic ambitions.