JAMB Eliminates Math Requirement for Arts Courses to Combat Forgery

Table of Contents

1. Removal of Mathematics as Admission Criteria
2. Statements from JAMB Registrar
3. Federal Ministry of Education's Position
4. Embargo on University Establishment
5. Importance of Realignment with Reality
6. Role of MSSN in Promoting Islam
7. Advice to Nigerian Youths

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the removal of Mathematics as a requirement for admission into Arts and Humanities courses. This decision aims to prevent forgery and align educational policies with current realities.

JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, made this statement while addressing reporters at the opening ceremony of Jihad Week, organized by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), University of Ibadan branch, and the launch of the Ad-Dhikr magazine on Sunday in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

According to DAILY POST, the federal Ministry of Education previously stated that a credit in Mathematics was necessary for admission into universities and polytechnics.

However, Oloyede emphasized that the removal of Mathematics as a requirement was a decision made by the federal Ministry of Education to combat forgery and ensure the policy reflects the actual situation.

He explained that students pursuing certain courses in universities, particularly in the Arts and Humanities, do not need to have a credit in Mathematics, as their fields of study do not relate to the subject.

He also revealed that the recent ban on establishing additional universities was imposed by the federal executive council to enhance the quality of existing institutions.

Oloyede asserted that all these decisions are made in the best interest of students, parents, and other stakeholders.

He encouraged the leadership of MSSN to promote Islam through their actions.

Oloyede stated, “The directives were recommendations that originated from grassroots discussions. It is not the case that the Ministry of Education arbitrarily decided this. It came from data and facts, and the federal executive council imposed the ban. It is not just about quantity but also quality. If the current number of universities is effectively utilized, they can meet our needs instead of creating numerous substandard universities without the necessary infrastructure to function as proper universities.

“Regarding qualifications, what the ministry has done is align policies with reality. The policy has existed, but how many universities are actually adhering to it? How can we require someone who wants to study Yoruba at the University of Ibadan to have Mathematics when they can study Yoruba at the University of London without it? Recently, someone studied Creative Arts in Canada and upon returning, the NYSC demanded Mathematics from them despite their degree from a top university. Thus, the Ministry of Education is realigning policies to reflect the current situation.

“It is in our best interest not to promote forgery. When we set requirements, we cannot say that a student wanting to study Arabic, Hausa, or Igbo could have been admitted were it not for Mathematics. What connection does Igbo have with Mathematics when the same individual can pursue a degree in London without it? The Ministry of Education is ensuring that policies are based on actual needs.

“MSSN is a mass movement organization established to bring people to Islam, and I urge the current MSSN leadership to promote Islam not only through preaching but also through exemplary conduct.”

Adeoye, while speaking, encouraged Nigerian youths to have faith in their country.

He stated, “Islam teaches us to love ourselves and our nation. For the youth of Nigeria, there are many opportunities available. We just need to believe in Nigeria as a nation.”