Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has asked the federal government to consider reinstating mathematics as a core admission requirement for studying any course in higher institutions.

In a new tertiary admission policy, the federal government announced that mathematics will no longer be a compulsory requirement for students wishing to study non-science courses in higher institutions.

The policy rollout has prompted a backlash and mixed interpretations from education stakeholders.

The education ministry later clarified that maths remains a compulsory subject offering in secondary school and senior certificate exams.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Obi condemned the policy, describing it as a “costly mistake.”

Obi said that the clarifications of the federal government still do not justify the policy.

“If mathematics remains compulsory in school certificate examinations but not for university admission, the effect is practically the same,” he argued.

“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.”

Obi said mathematics remains indispensable in everyday life, noting that its removal will mean that art students can do without clarity of thought.

“Mathematics is not merely about numbers; it cultivates logic, sharpens critical thinking, and develops problem-solving skills essential for everyday life,” he said.