For thousands of Nigerian students, the dream of studying arts or humanities just got easier. On October 15, 2025, the Federal Government announced that a credit in Mathematics is no longer required for Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) candidates seeking admission into arts and humanities programs in universities.
This landmark decision, led by the Ministry of Education, aims to remove barriers for students passionate about fields like Literature and History. With this change, Nigeria joins a growing list of countries tailoring admission requirements to course demands.
Why the Change?
Until now, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) required all university applicants to have credits in Mathematics and English, regardless of their chosen course.
This rule, in place for decades, often blocked talented students who struggled with Maths from pursuing humanities degrees. Advocates, including student groups and educators, argued that Maths proficiency is less critical for fields like Fine Arts or Religious Studies.
The Ministry of Education, responding to this call, says the policy aligns admission requirements with course relevance, making higher education more inclusive.
The decision also reflects feedback from secondary schools reporting high failure rates in Maths among arts-focused students.
What’s New?
Effective immediately, students applying for programs like English Literature, Fine Arts, History, Music, or Theatre Arts don’t need a Maths credit in their SSCE results (WAEC, NECO, or equivalent).
A credit in English remains mandatory to ensure language proficiency, and other subject requirements, such as Literature for English majors, still apply. The Ministry of Education stated, “This reform ensures students are judged on skills relevant to their chosen paths.”
JAMB is updating its guidelines for the 2026/2027 academic session, and universities have been directed to adjust their admission criteria accordingly. The policy applies to both public and private institutions, ensuring a unified standard.
Benefits Of the New Policy
The policy could transform lives for students who excel creatively but struggle with numbers. JAMB data shows that over 15% of candidates miss admission yearly due to poor Maths grades, despite strong performances in other subjects.
“I can finally pursue Theatre Arts without Maths holding me back,” says Kemi, an 18-year-old from Abuja. Universities like the University of Lagos and Ahmadu Bello University expect a surge in humanities applications, boosting fields critical to Nigeria’s cultural and social growth.
The policy could also reduce pressure on students, allowing them to focus on subjects aligned with their strengths. Globally, countries like the UK have similar flexible requirements, and Nigeria’s move could inspire more graduates in arts and social sciences, fields often overshadowed by STEM.
Challenges and Considerations
While the policy opens doors, it raises questions about implementation. Universities may need to revise curricula to ensure humanities students still develop analytical skills, perhaps through alternative courses like logic or statistics. Funding is another concern—humanities departments, often under-resourced, may struggle to accommodate more students.
Additionally, some employers value basic Maths skills, prompting debates about whether graduates might face job market challenges. The Ministry has promised to work with universities to address these gaps, including teacher training and curriculum updates.
Reactions
The announcement has sparked lively debate, especially on platforms like X. Students celebrated, with one user posting, “No more Maths stress! FG finally gets it.”
The Nigeria Union of Teachers supports the move but urges increased funding for humanities departments to handle higher enrollment.
Parents, too, are optimistic, with a Lagos-based mother, Mrs. Adebayo, saying, “My daughter can now chase her dream of studying Music without worrying about Maths.” However, some educators worry about academic standards.
“Basic Maths skills are vital for critical thinking,” argues Dr. Ngozi Eze, a lecturer at the University of Nigeria.
On X, critics warn that the policy might “dumb down” education, though supporters counter that it prioritizes fairness and relevance.
What’s Next?
This change marks a bold step toward a more flexible education system in Nigeria. As JAMB and universities adapt, the focus is on ensuring quality while opening doors for diverse talents.
The Ministry plans to monitor the policy’s impact through enrollment data and graduate outcomes.
Will this reform inspire a new wave of creatives, or does it risk diluting academic standards?
For now, arts students can chase their dreams without the shadow of equations, and Nigeria’s universities may soon see a renaissance in the humanities.
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