JAMB Clarifies: Mathematics No Longer Mandatory for Some University Courses
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that Mathematics is no longer a compulsory requirement for admission into several university courses in Nigeria.
Speaking on the Nigerian Television Authority’s programme Good Morning Nigeria, the spokesperson of JAMB, Fabian Benjamin, explained that the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is not the sole or primary determinant of admission into tertiary institutions.
He stated that the most important requirement remains five O’Level credits, including English Language and other relevant subjects based on the chosen course of study.
According to him, the UTME is mainly used as a tool to ensure fairness, equity, and transparency in the selection of candidates, especially for highly competitive courses with limited admission spaces.
Benjamin added that universities still retain autonomy over their admission processes, while operating within guidelines set by education authorities and the Ministry of Education.
He further revealed that Mathematics has been removed as a compulsory subject for some programmes, particularly language-based courses.
“For instance, if you want to study Hausa language in a university today, you don’t need Mathematics. Previously, you must have a credit in Mathematics,” he said.
He explained that similar adjustments apply to certain arts and language programmes, noting that the change is consistent with international academic practices.
Benjamin added that the policy adjustment has also expanded the number of eligible candidates for the current admission cycle.
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