The Federal Government announced a review of Nigeria’s tertiary school admission policy under which Mathematics is no longer a required O’Level subject for admission seekers looking to study non-science courses, specifically Arts and Humanities programmes.
The Ministry of Education said the framework, including the non-compulsory nature of Mathematics for admission to Arts courses, applies to all tertiary schools.
However, Mathematics remains mandatory for science, technology, and social science courses. University admission seekers must still attain a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects including English. For polytechnics, Mathematics remains compulsory for science-related programmes at both ND and HND levels.
Following the National Policy Meeting held in Abuja on Monday, May 11, JAMB officially announced the cut-off marks and admission guidelines for the 2026/2027 academic session. In a significant policy shift, Agriculture and Education courses no longer require a UTME score entirely, candidates can apply directly with O’Level results.
The minimum cut-off mark for universities remains 150, while polytechnics and colleges of education retain 100.
The Federal Ministry of Education has categorically stated that JAMB remains the sole statutory and legally empowered body responsible for conducting entrance examinations and coordinating admissions into all tertiary institutions. “At no point did the Ministry issue or authorise any statement suggesting that JAMB is no longer mandatory for admission into tertiary institutions,” the Ministry stated.
In plain terms: Arts students no longer need a Mathematics credit in their SSCE to gain university admission. That is the policy change.
