The federal government’s decision to remove mathematics as a compulsory subject for students seeking admission into tertiary institutions to study arts and humanities has sparked a wave of mixed reactions across Nigeria’s education sector.

The new policy, unveiled on Tuesday, was announced in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education. According to the ministry, the reform, led by Maruf Tunji Alausa, minister of Education, is aimed at democratising access to higher education and empowering young Nigerians through inclusive and equitable learning opportunities.

Under the new National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, English Language remains compulsory for all candidates, while mathematics will now only be required for those seeking admission into science, technology, and social science programmes.

The federal government explained that the policy would help expand access to tertiary education and enable the admission of an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students annually.

Alausa noted that the reform became necessary to correct what he described as ‘years of limited access’ that left many qualified candidates unable to gain admission despite their competence.

He pointed out that over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually but fewer than 700,000 secure admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges.

“This imbalance is not due to a lack of ability, but outdated and unnecessarily stringent entry requirements that must give way to fairness and opportunity,” the minister stated.

Policy generates debate

However, the policy has generated debate among education stakeholders. While some hailed it as a long-overdue reform, others warned that it could have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s competitiveness in the digital age.

Samuel Odewumi, a transport and logistics expert at Lagos State University (LASU), cautioned against what he described as a ‘policy of convenience,’ arguing that mathematics remains fundamental to logical reasoning and digital literacy.

“It’s better to have mathematics and not need it, than to need it later and not have it. Education reforms should not be rushed. Every decision we take today will have ripple effects in the next decade. Mathematics builds cognitive capacity, and its absence may weaken our students’ problem-solving foundation,” Odewumi said.

He also faulted what he called ‘policy inconsistency’ in Nigeria’s education system, warning that frequent changes in admission requirements could destabilise academic planning and quality assurance.

On the other hand, Akase Ter, an educationist, described the policy as a relief for thousands of students with strong potential in the arts but were held back by mathematics.

“It’s really a good decision because people are gifted differently. Not everyone is science-oriented. For decades, the compulsory mathematics policy denied many bright students the opportunity to further their education. This new direction gives them a second chance,” he said.

Ter recalled that many students who struggled with mathematics either abandoned their academic dreams or switched to other interests, despite excelling in subjects like literature, Christian Religious Knowledge, and history.

On X (formerly Twitter), users also expressed opinions about the new policy.

Adeolu (@_astalavi) argued that the decision could worsen students’ disinterest in numeracy.

“Whether we like it or not, arithmetic is a part of our day-to-day activity. Not making it mandatory now will only make the arts students that people perceive to be lazy relax even more, and affect their basic numerical knowledge,” he said.

Adewale (@SoEdunOkanESita) strongly opposed the reform, warning that it could harm the country’s educational foundation.

“Everyone who cares about Nigeria must prevail on Tunji Alausa to immediately reverse the poor decision to remove Mathematics for arts students. His overzealousness will destroy Nigeria. Education is the pillar that holds a country,” he wrote.

Adewale added that the policy overlooks the realities of the job market.

“After graduation, the labour market doesn’t care if you are an arts, sciences, or social science graduate. Everyone will write the same aptitude tests for employment, which include mathematics, logic, quantitative and verbal reasoning. How those in government think is absurd.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Olufemi Oluwole (@MinOlufemi) questioned the logic behind the change.

“What is the positive effect of taking out Mathematics from the arts department? The contents of this subject at the secondary school level are basic. There’s no problem being solved — we are only making more lazy students,” he said.

Donald Angbas (@orame50) also disagreed with the reform, stating that every student pursuing tertiary education should have at least a basic pass in mathematics and English.

“C6 is just 45–50%. Every student going for tertiary education should be able to have that in English and Mathematics,” he tweeted.

Not all reactions were negative, however. Tosin Balogun (@tosi_tosin) welcomed the development, calling it a ‘very good decision.’ (BusinessDay)