Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has reacted in a statement titled ‘Back and Forth Policy on Mathematics: A Costly Mistake’ to the removal of mathematics as a compulsory subject for admission into tertiary institutions.
Following disgust from “concerned” Nigerians, the Federal Ministry of Education came out and clarified that, mathematics will only be a compulsory subject in school certificate examinations.
Obi condemned the Ministry’s decision to discard Mathematics as a compulsory requirement for Arts students; he said, the subject helps “sharpen critical thinking”, and urged the relevant authorities to review the decision for the good of Nigerian students, as well as, the future of the country.
Obi reacted on X: “Following the outcry of concerned Nigerians over removing Mathematics, like the English Language, as a compulsory subject for admission into tertiary institutions, the Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that it will remain a compulsory subject only in school certificate examinations.
“In my humble view, this clarification changes nothing fundamentally. If Mathematics remains compulsory in school certificate examinations but not for university admission, the effect is practically the same. Students who intend to pursue Arts in tertiary institutions will still not take the subject seriously, knowing they do not need it for admission. The seriousness students attach to any subject is often directly proportional to its relevance to their future academic goals.
“I therefore strongly condemn the decision to remove Mathematics as a compulsory requirement for Arts students. Such a policy is a regrettable step backwards in our collective effort to build an enlightened, competent, and globally competitive society.
“Mathematics is not merely about numbers; it cultivates logic, sharpens critical thinking, and develops problem-solving skills essential for everyday life.
“To suggest that Arts students do not need Mathematics is to imply that they can do without clarity of thought or analytical precision – the very foundations of intellectual maturity.
“At this juncture, one is constrained to ask the reason behind its removal as a required subject for admission. Does it mean that our tertiary institutions lack enough students because of Mathematics? What, indeed, are the reasons?
“I therefore urge the relevant authorities to reconsider this decision in the interest of our students and the future of our nation and reinstate it as a core admission subject. Education should move forward, not backwards.”
