Stakeholders react to removal of Mathematics as compulsory subject for Arts students’ admissions

By Elizabeth Osayande

Divergent opinions proceed to look pursuing the Federal Government’s determination to region Mathematics arsenic a compulsory taxable for Arts students seeking admittance into tertiary institutions.

Recently, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa provided a breakdown of modifications to the caller curriculum. According to a connection by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations astatine the Federal Ministry of Education, the determination follows the support of the National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Tertiary Institutions successful Nigeria.

Dr. Alausa explained that the caller argumentation aims to democratize entree to tertiary acquisition and empower Nigerian youths nether President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “The argumentation represents a important measurement successful promoting inclusivity and driving nationalist improvement done equitable acquisition opportunities,” the ministry stated.

The Minister emphasized that the betterment was indispensable aft years of restrictive admittance requirements that near galore qualified candidates without placement, contempt their world achievements. He noted that portion implicit 2 cardinal candidates beryllium for the UTME annually, lone astir 700,000 unafraid admissions—an imbalance attributed to outdated introduction rules alternatively than a deficiency of world ability.

“This imbalance indispensable springiness mode to fairness and opportunity. Our extremity is to guarantee that susceptible and deserving candidates are not denied acquisition due to the fact that of obsolete policies,” Dr. Alausa said.

The caller National Guidelines update admittance requirements crossed universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs) portion maintaining world standards:

Universities: Minimum of 5 recognition passes successful applicable subjects, including English Language, not exceeding 2 sittings. Mathematics remains compulsory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses but is nary longer required for Arts students.

Polytechnics (ND level): Minimum of 4 recognition passes, including English Language for non-science courses; Mathematics required for science-related programs.

Colleges of Education (NCE level): Minimum of 4 credits, with English compulsory for Arts and Social Sciences; Mathematics required for Science, Vocational, and Technical programs.

Colleges of Education (B.Ed level): Minimum of 5 credits, including English and Mathematics, arsenic applicable to the people of study.

Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs): Same requirements arsenic Polytechnics for National Diploma (ND) programs.

The authorities besides announced the abolition of the National Innovation Diploma (NID) antecedently awarded by IEAs, replacing it with the National Diploma (ND) to guarantee uniformity and credibility. The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to re-accredit each IEAs nationwide, informing that institutions failing to conscionable accreditation requirements whitethorn look de-accreditation.

Dr. Alausa stated that the betterment is expected to make opportunities for 250,000 to 300,000 further students to summation admittance annually. “Our young radical are the heartbeat of this nation. This betterment ensures that each Nigerian younker has a just accidental to learn, grow, and succeed. We are equipping them with the acquisition and skills they request to scope their afloat imaginable and lend meaningfully to nationalist development,” helium said.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its committedness to inclusive education, quality superior development, and younker empowerment successful enactment with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Reactions to the determination person been mixed:

Critics: Dr. Dideolu Adekogbe, Lead Consultant astatine Florish-Gate Global Consult, described the determination arsenic a misstep, arguing that Mathematics is indispensable crossed each disciplines. She emphasized that mathematical skills underpin problem-solving, captious thinking, and decision-making successful assorted professions, including arts-related fields. Similarly, Dr. Gbenga Mike of P-Brains EduConsults Africa warned that removing Mathematics could undermine the prime of acquisition and competitiveness of Nigerian students.

Supporters: Many parents and educators welcomed the change. Christmanna Mins, a mother, cited her daughter’s erstwhile admittance challenges owed to failing Mathematics, calling the betterment a relief. Uwaize Marian Oghomeh noted that the poli...