Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Government has approved a sweeping reform of admission requirements into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, removing Mathematics as a compulsory subject for Arts and Humanities students while retaining it for Science, Technology, and Social Science disciplines.
The policy, approved under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and implemented by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, is part of efforts to democratize access to higher education and expand opportunities for Nigerian youths under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the Federal Ministry of Education, the new framework contained in the National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria was designed to “remove unnecessary barriers while maintaining academic standards.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelDr. Alausa explained that the decision followed years of restrictive admission policies that limited access for otherwise qualified candidates.
“Every year, over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), yet only about 700,000 gain admission,” he said. “This imbalance is not due to a lack of ability but to outdated and overly stringent entry requirements that must give way to fairness and opportunity.”
The ministry estimates that the reform could enable an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students to gain access to tertiary education annually particularly those in non-science disciplines previously excluded for failing to obtain credit passes in Mathematics.
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New Entry Guidelines
According to the official document signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, the revised entry standards apply across universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and innovation enterprise institutions as follows:
- University Education
A minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects at O’Level (WAEC, NECO, or equivalent) in not more than two sittings.
English Language is compulsory for all courses.
Mathematics remains compulsory only for Science, Technology, and Social Science programmes.
- Polytechnic Education
Higher National Diploma (HND) or Degree Programmes: Five (5) credit passes including English Language; Mathematics required for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.
National Diploma (ND): Four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language for all non-science courses and Mathematics for science-related programmes.
- Colleges of Education
Degree Programmes (B.Ed): Five (5) credit passes, including English Language; Mathematics required for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.
NCE Programmes: Four (4) credit passes, including English Language for Arts and Social Science courses. Mathematics is mandatory only for Science, Vocational, and Technical courses.
- Innovation Enterprise Institutions (IEIs)
To adopt the same minimum requirements as Polytechnics for National Diploma (ND) programmes.
The National Innovation Diploma (NID) programme has been abolished across all IEIs.
Implementation
The Ministry announced that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has commenced the re-accreditation of all Innovation Enterprise Institutions nationwide to align them with the new National Diploma (ND) standards. Institutions unable to meet the new requirements will be de-accredited.
Dr. Alausa described the reform as a “deliberate effort to expand access to tertiary education,” adding that it would help reduce Nigeria’s out-of-school youth population while strengthening vocational and technical education.
“This initiative ensures that every Nigerian youth has a fair chance to learn, grow, and succeed,” he said. “It reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to inclusive education, fairness, and opportunity for all.”
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed that the new guidelines will take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session and urged tertiary institutions to begin immediate implementation in line with their respective regulatory bodies.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
