Mathematics No Longer Mandatory for University Admission Into Many Courses in Nigeria — JAMB Spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin

Mathematics No Longer Mandatory for University Admission Into Many Courses in Nigeria — JAMB Spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin

Fabian Benjamin, spokesperson of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, has clarified that the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination is not the major determinant for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Speaking on Nigerian Television Authority’s Good Morning Nigeria, Benjamin addressed debates over UTME cut-off marks and admission requirements.

“Don’t forget that the UTME is not a major determinant of qualification for admission,” he said.

According to him, five O’Level credits, including English and other relevant subjects required for a chosen course, remain the major criteria for admission.

Benjamin explained that UTME mainly helps institutions create fairness and transparency when selecting candidates for highly competitive courses with limited spaces.

“This examination is conducted. It’s a vehicle through which we can create equity, fairness, transparency,” he stated.

He added that universities still retain autonomy over admissions while working with guidelines agreed upon by education stakeholders and the Ministry of Education.

Benjamin also revealed that Mathematics is no longer compulsory for some programmes, especially language-related courses.

“For instance, you want to read Hausa language in a university today, you don’t need mathematics. Before, you must have a credit in mathematics,” he said.

“If you go to London, you want to read Hausa or Arabic, you don’t need mathematics. Mathematics has no area in those programs. That has been waived.”

He added that the adjustment has increased the number of eligible candidates for the 2025 admission process.