Education Reform: English, Mathematics remain 2 Compulsory Subjects for all O’Level Candidates – FG

October 19, 2025 | Abuja

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that English Language and Mathematics remain compulsory subjects for all students sitting for the O’Level examinations across the country. https://education.gov.ng

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, who said the clarification became necessary following public misconceptions about the recently announced reforms on tertiary admission requirements. https://education.gov.ng/

According to Boriowo, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stressed that the new education reform does not exempt any student from registering or sitting for English Language and Mathematics in their O’Level examinations.

Dr. Alausa explained that the new education policy introduces a more inclusive and flexible framework for tertiary admissions, ensuring that capable students are not unfairly denied entry into higher institutions due to deficiencies in non-core subjects. Education reform

“It allows institutions to admit candidates into specific programmes where credit passes in either English or Mathematics may not be compulsory, while still mandating that all students register and sit for both subjects,” Alausa said.

He added that the reform supports the Federal Government’s commitment to equitable access, inclusivity, and human capital development, broadening learning opportunities and recognising diverse academic strengths.

The minister reiterated that English and Mathematics remain vital tools for communication, logical reasoning, and lifelong learning.

“The adjustment affects only admission criteria, not the requirement to take these subjects,” he clarified.

Alausa also urged students, parents, and education stakeholders to rely solely on official government communication channels for verified policy updates to avoid misinformation surrounding the new education reform.

The new education reform aligns with Nigeria’s broader push for inclusivity and skill-based learning, as earlier reported by GMTNewsng.com.

FGN urges ASUU to shelve strike. The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and called on ASUU to shelve its planned strike, emphasizing sustainable engagement and improved welfare for university lecturers.

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to peaceful dialogue and appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider its decision to embark on an industrial strike. According to the government, the call is driven by the desire to protect the academic future of Nigerian students and promote sustainable reforms in the nation’s tertiary education system.

In a joint statement released by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, the FGN urges ASUU to shelve strike action and embrace dialogue as the most viable path to resolving outstanding issues affecting public universities.

The Ministers disclosed that the Federal Government has presented a comprehensive offer addressing ASUU’s major concerns, including lecturers’ welfare, improved working conditions, and transparent institutional governance. They stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved a robust Teaching Allowance to motivate academic staff and reflect the true value of their intellectual contributions to national development.

“All matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those within the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are being actively handled,” the statement noted. “The Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received.”

The Ministers further emphasized that FGN urges ASUU to shelve strike action in the interest of national progress, stating that the government has demonstrated sincerity through proactive policy actions and increased funding for the education sector. Despite these efforts, they noted, the union appears determined to proceed with industrial action even while dialogue remains open.

Reiterating President Tinubu’s commitment to the stability of Nigerian universities, the Ministers stressed that ongoing reforms in the education sector are built on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening. They assured that the government’s focus remains the welfare of lecturers and the uninterrupted progress of academic programmes across the country.

While reaffirming the administration’s respect for university autonomy, the statement clarified that some aspects of ASUU’s demands – especially those concerning internal governance, appointments, and promotions -fall within the statutory responsibilities of university governing councils. Therefore, such matters should be handled at the institutional level in line with established rules.

The Ministers also reminded ASUU of the existing “No Work, No Pay” policy, which is a valid provision under Nigerian labour law. They cautioned that the Federal Government will not hesitate to invoke it if the union proceeds with a strike, as disruption of academic activities undermines the integrity of the university system and the rights of students.

“While government remains committed to peaceful dialogue, it will equally enforce existing laws to safeguard the integrity of our education system and ensure accountability,” the statement added.

The FGN urges ASUU to shelve strike not only to maintain industrial harmony but also to consolidate recent gains in education reforms, infrastructure renewal, and staff welfare enhancement. The Ministers assured Nigerians that the government’s consistent policy interventions – such as increased budgetary allocation to education, teacher training initiatives, and institutional revitalization programmes – are evidence of genuine commitment to the sector.

“The government has shown sincerity and commitment through engagements and policy actions. We are confident that, with continued dialogue, every legitimate concern can be addressed and resolved without shutting down our campuses. Our students must remain in school,” the Ministers affirmed.

They concluded by stressing that the FGN urges ASUU to shelve strike for the sake of Nigeria’s children and the long-term stability of its universities. “The future of our students must take priority over disputes,” they stated. “The Federal Government remains open to constructive discussion and ready to work with ASUU to consolidate achievements already made in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.”

The Ministers reiterated that President Tinubu’s administration will continue to engage in constructive partnership with all education stakeholders, ensuring that universities function as true centres of excellence and innovation. GMTNewsng

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● Stephanie Daberechukwu

Mmesoma Okonkwo from Anambra State outperforms thousands of international candidates in the 2023 Cambridge International Examination, highlighting Nigeria’s rising academic stars.

In a stunning academic feat that has drawn international acclaim, 17-year-old Mmesoma Okonkwo from Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria, has been named the Overall Best in English Language in the 2023 Cambridge International Examination. The recognition places her at the very top among thousands of candidates from around the world who sat for the globally recognized assessment.

A student of Chrisland High School, Victoria Garden City, Lagos, Mmesoma served as Head Girl of the 2023 graduating class and consistently distinguished herself through academic excellence and leadership. Her Cambridge achievement is the latest in a series of remarkable milestones that have defined her secondary school journey.

In addition to her global success in English, Mmesoma earned A1 grades in all nine subjects in the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC). This rare accomplishment underscores her all-round brilliance and the quality of education she received.

Teachers, peers, and educational leaders have described Mmesoma as focused, self-driven, and a natural leader. She received numerous awards throughout her school years, and her performance has become a symbol of the untapped intellectual potential within Nigeria’s youth.

Her success story is being celebrated not just as a personal triumph, but as a powerful example of Nigeria’s growing brain gain – the cultivation of homegrown talent that competes and triumphs on the global stage. It also puts a spotlight on Southeast Nigeria as a region producing world-class achievers.

Mmesoma has expressed a desire to study Business Administration at the tertiary level, aiming to combine her academic strength with leadership in enterprise and innovation. Those close to her say she is poised to make meaningful contributions in both local and international arenas.

The news of her achievement has sparked widespread celebration across Nigeria and beyond, with government officials, educators, and citizens hailing her as a national asset and role model for young students across the continent.

From Anambra to the world, Mmesoma Okonkwo’s academic journey reflects the brilliance and promise of a new generation – one that is not only prepared to meet global standards but to set them. GMTNewsng