The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) has announced that a credit pass in Mathematics (WAEC/NECO) is no longer mandatory for Nigerian students applying to Arts and Humanities courses in universities and polytechnics.
This reform ends a long-standing requirement for all admission seekers.
The updated National Guidelines aim to streamline the admission process and expand access to higher education.
Universities will still require a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, in no more than two sittings.
Mathematics remains compulsory for admission into all Science, Technology, and Social Science courses in universities and polytechnics (for science-related programnes).
Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated the reform is a deliberate effort to tackle the persistent gap between applicants and admitted students, which he blamed on “outdated and overly stringent entry requirements.”
The FME projects the new policy will increase annual admissions from about 700,000 to one million students, creating opportunities for an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students yearly.
So far, the reform has been praised by education analysts as a “brilliant reform” that will “improve the ease of admissions”.
The FME confirms the revised guidelines are designed to remove barriers while maintaining academic standards.