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The Ministry of Education has announced that achieving credit in mathematics in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) will no longer be a requirement for admission for students pursuing arts and humanities courses in universities and polytechnics.
This information was shared in a statement by the Ministry's spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to DAILY POST, for many years, applicants in arts and humanities, similar to their peers in sciences and social sciences, were required to have five credits, including mathematics and English language, to gain admission into higher education institutions.
“The updated National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions aim to eliminate barriers while preserving academic standards.
“This new framework is applicable to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies throughout the country as follows:
“Universities: A minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in no more than two sittings. Mathematics is essential for courses in Science, Technology, and Social Sciences.
“Polytechnics (ND Level): A minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language for non-science courses and Mathematics for science-related programs.
“Polytechnics (HND Level):
A minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
“Colleges of Education (NCE Level): A minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects, with English Language required for Arts and Social Science courses, and Mathematics necessary for Science, Vocational, and Technical programs,” the statement indicated.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, characterized this reform as a strategic move to broaden access to tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will mathematics still be required for other courses?
Yes, mathematics will still be required for courses in Science, Technology, and Social Sciences.
What are the new requirements for admission into universities?
The new requirements state that applicants must have a minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in no more than two sittings.
How does this change affect students pursuing arts and humanities?
The change allows students pursuing arts and humanities to gain admission without needing a credit in mathematics, thus making access to education more inclusive.
