Obi Faults FG Over Math Policy, Says Arts Students Will Still Neglect Subject

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government’s reported decision to remove Mathematics as a compulsory subject for admission into tertiary institutions, warning that the move could discourage students from taking the subject seriously.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) titled “Back and Forth Policy on Mathematics: A Costly Mistake,” Obi described the development as “a regrettable step backwards” for Nigeria’s education system.

Policy Confusion

Obi referenced the Federal Ministry of Education’s clarification that Mathematics would remain mandatory only at the secondary school certificate level but would no longer be required for university admission.
According to him, this clarification “changes nothing fundamentally,” as it still weakens the incentive for students, especially those in the Arts, to take the subject seriously.

“When a subject is no longer tied to a student’s academic progression, the motivation to study it declines,” he wrote.

Obi argued that students’ attitude toward learning any subject is largely shaped by how relevant it is to their future academic or career goals.

“A Step Backward in a Knowledge-Driven Era”

The former governor underscored the importance of Mathematics beyond academic assessment, describing it as a “universal language” that nurtures logic, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

“Mathematics is not merely about numbers; it cultivates logic, sharpens critical thinking, and develops problem-solving skills essential for everyday life,” he said.
“Whether one studies Arts or Sciences, the ability to reason clearly and make sound judgments is indispensable.”

He warned that in today’s technology-driven and data-centric world, de-emphasising Mathematics would undermine national efforts to build a competitive workforce and a knowledge-based economy.

Calls for Reversal

Obi questioned the motive behind the policy shift, asking whether it was meant to boost admission figures at the expense of educational standards.

He urged the government to reconsider the move and reinstate Mathematics as a mandatory requirement for all tertiary admissions.

“Education should move forward, not backwards,” Obi said. “The authorities must reconsider this decision in the best interest of our students and the future of our nation.”