The federal government has announced that English Language and Mathematics are no longer compulsory to study certain courses in the higher institutions of learning.
The Ministry of Education said it was part of the approved comprehensive reform of admission entry requirements into all tertiary institutions across the country.
Director, Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade in a statement issued Tuesday said the policy, driven by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa represents a bold step in promoting inclusive education for national development.
She said Alausa explained that the reform has become necessary after years of restricted access 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.
This imbalance, Alausa added, was not due to a lack of ability but rather to outdated and overly stringent entry requirements that must give way to fairness and opportunity.
The minister explained that the revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are designed to remove barriers while maintaining academic standards.
Alausa noted that the new framework applies to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs) across the country as follows:
He added: “Universities: Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Mathematics is mandatory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.
“Polytechnics (ND Level): Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language for non-science courses and Mathematics for science-related programs.
“Polytechnics for the National Diploma (ND) program. The National Innovation Diploma (NID) is hereby abolished.
“In addition, the National Industrial Diploma (NID) previously issued by Innovation Enterprise Academies will be phased out and replaced with the National Diploma (ND) to ensure uniformity, credibility, and 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 reform is a deliberate effort to expand access to tertiary education, creating opportunities for additional 250,000 to 300,000 additional students to be admitted to our Tertiary Institutions each year.
“It reflects a firm commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian youth has a fair chance to learn, grow, and succeed, putting the Renewed Hope Agenda into action.”
Alausa pointed out that harmonising admission guidelines would help reduce the number of out-of-school youths, strengthen vocational and technical training, and align Nigeria’s tertiary education structure with global and industry standards.