The Federal Government on Tuesday, October 14, announced that mathematics will no longer be a compulsory subject for students seeking admission into tertiary institutions to study arts and humanities-related courses.

This was contained in a press statement signed and released by Boriowo Folasade, the Director of Press and Public Relations.

Folasade disclosed that the new policy championed by Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, seeks to democratize access to higher education and empower Nigerian youths through inclusive and equitable learning opportunities.

According to Folasade, the new policy applies to entry requirements for universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Institutions across the country.

Under the new framework, students seeking admission into arts and humanities programs will only be required to present credits in relevant subjects, including English language, while mathematics will remain compulsory for science, technology, and social science disciplines.

WITHIN NIGERIA observed that the new decision of the Federal Government on “Mathematics” has sparked debates, becoming a topic of national discussion or debate.

This reporter hits the streets and conducts vox pops—gathering opinions/views from teachers, educationists, and professionals in arts.

NIGERIANS REACT?

“A step in the right direction,” says Misbau Alamu

A law teacher at the University of Hull, Misbau Alamu Lateef, has expressed his admiration for the current Minister of Education’s reforms.

He notes that Nigeria often applies rules mechanically without reason or review, citing the example of requiring a credit in mathematics for non-STEM programs.

Lateef shares his personal experience of being accepted into the law program at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) with a pass in mathematics, which he believes should be the norm.

He also highlights the absurdity of requiring a law degree to pursue a Master’s in Law (LL.M) in Nigeria, contrasting it with his experience abroad, where students without prior law degrees excel in LL.M programs.

Lateef argues that specialized LL.M. programs, such as International Law or Energy Law, don’t necessarily require a law background.

The Minister of Education’s reforms, according to Lateef, are a step in the right direction.

By reevaluating outdated requirements, the minister can help create a more inclusive and adaptable education system in Nigeria.

The policy is “long ”overdue”—Ridwan Daud

An educationist and public affairs analyst, Ridwan Daud commended the policy change regarding mathematics requirements for admission.

According to him, the policy is “long overdue,” and giving preference to mathematics is “stale.”

He believes that mathematics, like other subjects, has limited relevance once a student specializes in a particular area.

The policy doesn’t stop teaching mathematics but rather removes it as a requirement for admission, he stressed.

Daud argues this is a good thing, especially for arts students who may not need mathematics.

It’s a welcome development, but there’s more work to be done – Adegunju

A social media user, Abdur Rahman Adegunju, welcomes the recent policy change, seeing it as a step in the right direction.

He believes there’s still more work to be done.

He advocates for removing “irrelevant courses” or “borrowed courses” from the curriculum, which he thinks only prolong students’ academic tenure unnecessarily.

Adegunju suggests that most courses should be completed within a maximum of three years, rather than the current four, five, or six years.

He laments that Nigeria is lagging behind the rest of the world in this regard.

A relief, says Damilare

A social media user identified as Oyeleye Damilare shares his personal struggle with mathematics and figure-related courses, which often ended in disappointment.

He is fascinated by the UK’s education system, where individuals can pursue a degree in medicine and surgery even if they have a non-traditional background.

He notes that in the UK, specific A-level subjects are often required for certain courses, such as medicine.

This flexibility in the UK system allows people to transition into new fields, like medicine, even if they didn’t study relevant subjects previously, he added.

Mathematics is not a required subject in some courses in OAU, says Adeogun. 

Adeola Rasheed Adeogun shares his personal experience as a student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), where he studied history and international relations.

He notes that for over two decades, OAU has not required mathematics as a major subject for most courses in the Faculty of Arts.

“I was admitted with a pass in mathematics and believe that this flexibility allowed students without strong math backgrounds to pursue their interests in fields like history and international relations,” he revealed.

He highlights that some courses, like pure International Relations in the Faculty of Administration, still require mathematics.

Adeogun suggests that students without mathematics often opted for combined honors programs like History and International Relations, which provided a strong foundation in both subjects.

Limited options for students amid curriculum review, says Adenuga

A lecturer and renowned education expert, Adenuga A.O. has expressed his concerns over the potential consequences of removing mathematics from the secondary school curriculum.

According to Adenuga, the decision to review the curriculum rests solely with the Ministry of Education.

While acknowledging that mathematics may not be essential for many arts disciplines, Dr. Adenuga warned that its removal would limit options for students who fail to meet the requirements for their preferred arts courses in university admissions.

The expert cited the example of students who aspire to study law or arts-related courses but miss the cut-off point.

“Such students may find themselves locked out of options available in social sciences,” Dr. Adenuga said.

Limited options for students amid curriculum review, says Adenuga

A lecturer and renowned education expert, Adenuga A.O. has expressed his concerns over the potential consequences of removing mathematics from the secondary school curriculum.

According to Dr. Adenuga, the decision to review the curriculum rests solely with the Ministry of Education.

While acknowledging that mathematics may not be essential for many arts disciplines, Dr. Adenuga warned that its removal would limit options for students who fail to meet the requirements for their preferred arts courses in university admissions.

The expert cited the example of students who aspire to study law or arts-related courses but miss the cut-off point.

“Such students may find themselves locked out of options available in social sciences,” Dr. Adenuga said.