...Experts Warn of a Future Without Numbers
By: Oladipo Oluwatosin Emmanuel
[ABUJA] — The Federal Government’s new policy declaring that mathematics is no longer compulsory for arts and humanities students in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions has stirred a storm of opinions across classrooms and campuses.
This development, announced in a statement by Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, has sparked national debate among educators, parents, and students alike.
According to Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the reform became necessary after years of restricted access to higher education which, he said, “denied many otherwise qualified candidates admission opportunities.”
> “Over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually, yet only about 700,000 gain admission,” the Minister said. “The revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are designed to remove barriers while maintaining academic standards.”
Accordingg to the new guidelines:
Mathematics remains compulsory only for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.
English Language remains mandatory for all students.
For universities, five relevant credit passes are still required (in not more than two sittings).
Polytechnics and Colleges of Education will also adjust requirements to align with relevance per discipline.
The government believes the change will enable 250,000–300,000 more students to gain admission yearly, thereby reducing the number of out-of-school youths and strengthening vocational and technical education.
While the government calls this “a reform for fairness, inclusion, and global alignment,” many educationists and faith-based thinkers are warning that the policy could open another door — one leading to long-term intellectual weakness.
For some, it’s a long-awaited relief; a “burden lifted off weary shoulders.” But for others, it’s a dangerous shortcut that could rob future generations of reasoning ability, self-reliance, and critical thinking.
> “Mathematics is not just a subject; it’s the gymnasium of the mind,” says Dr. Tayo Ogunleye, an educational psychologist. “You can’t build a strong mind by avoiding exercise.”
A RELIEF THAT MAY COST MORE THAN IT GIVES
In the eyes of struggling students, mathematics has long been a mountain too high to climb. Some see this policy as an answered prayer. But the Yoruba adage says, “The road that seems short may be full of traps.”
Removing mathematics from the arts curriculum may seem like a blessing today, but tomorrow, it could be a curse in disguise.
> “Tomorrow’s lawyer will need to interpret financial data; the journalist will analyse statistics, and even a musician must manage royalties,” explains Mrs. Beatrice Adebayo, a principal in Lagos. “If you exempt them now, they’ll later pay others to think for them; and that’s how dependency begins.”
The Bible warns in Proverbs 4:7 (KJV):
> “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
Understanding includes numerical reasoning. To neglect it is to weaken the foundation of wisdom.
THE WORLD NOW SPEAKS IN NUMBERS
We live in an era where “numbers rule the world.” Every click online, every budget, every transaction — all are governed by mathematics. To be illiterate in math today is to be half-blind in a world of logic.
> “We live in a time where even the preacher must understand online analytics, and the politician must interpret poll numbers,” says Prof. Chika Eze, a sociologist at UNN. “Numbers don’t lie — but those who don’t understand them can easily be deceived.”
As the saying goes, “He who cannot count his coins cannot count his blessings.”
Even the Bible connects numerical thinking with wisdom. Luke 14:28 (KJV) asks,
> “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost?”
The act of “counting” is mathematical reasoning — a divine principle for decision-making and planning.
THE DANGER OF DEPENDENCY
If arts students are raised to avoid mathematics, a silent monster called intellectual dependency will rise. Tomorrow’s journalist may hire someone to interpret data, the writer may pay someone to calculate book profits, and the lawyer may depend on accountants to read financial evidence.
An African proverb says, “He who borrows another man’s legs will not walk far.”
Exemption today may birth exploitation tomorrow. The Bible also cautions in Proverbs 12:24:
> “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.”
When students grow lazy in reasoning, they end up working under those who think deeply.
REFORM, NOT REMOVAL
Education experts are not against easing learning burdens, but they insist that reforming how mathematics is taught is better than removing it. Instead of abstract formulas, mathematics should be presented as “reasoning for life.”
1. Make It Practical – Teach mathematics through real-life situations like budgeting, art proportions, business statistics, and everyday decision-making.
> “Numbers should tell stories,” says Dr. Ogunleye. “Let students see math in the market, not just on the blackboard.”
2. Train Teachers Anew – As the adage says, “A bad workman blames his tools.” Many students hate mathematics not because of the subject, but because of the method. Teachers must be trained to inspire, not intimidate.
3. Blend Art with Logic – Poetry and patterns, drama and geometry, storytelling and statistics — art and mathematics are siblings, not strangers.
> Ecclesiastes 7:12 reminds us, “Wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence.”
Both wisdom (logic) and money (numbers) must go hand in hand.
4. Infuse Technology – Since we are in the computer age, where “machines think in numbers,” let technology make math fun. Introduce games, simulations, and creative data projects that appeal to the artistic mind.
WHEN IGNORANCE BECOMES COSTLY
If this policy remains unchecked, the country may raise generations that are creative but not critical, eloquent but not analytical. A Yoruba adage puts it well:
“The one who cannot measure a rope cannot tie it properly.”
Mathematics teaches precision — the very skill that disciplines thought and action. Even Daniel, the prophet, was not just spiritual but intelligent:
> Daniel 1:17 says, “God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom.”
Knowledge without skill is incomplete. Skill involves accuracy, reasoning, and structure — all of which mathematics provides.
WHAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO
Rather than discard mathematics, government should:
- Redesign the curriculum to make math relevant to each discipline.
- Organize training for teachers on engaging methods.
- Introduce applied mathematics courses specific to arts and social sciences.
- Create awareness among parents and students on the universal value of mathematical literacy.
The Bible says in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
Removing a foundation subject like mathematics is not giving freedom; it is breeding future bondage.
NUMBERS DON’T LIE — IGNORANCE DOES
To remove mathematics from education is like removing the steering wheel from a car — it may still move, but it cannot be controlled.
The government’s good intention to ease student burden must not blind us to long-term consequences. In truth, “the easiest path is not always the best road.”
In the end, the arts and the sciences are not enemies; they are two hands of one body. One writes, the other calculates — and together they build the future.
> “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12
SIDEBAR: WHY EVERY PROFESSION NEEDS MATHEMATICS
Journalism: Data analysis, survey interpretation, audience measurement.
Law: Logical reasoning, evidence quantification, financial litigation.
Creative Arts: Proportions, stage design, and budgeting.
Education: Curriculum evaluation and assessment metrics.
Politics: Polls, budgets, and policy impact evaluation.
Technology: Coding, programming logic, and AI systems.
FINAL WORD:
> “Mathematics may be difficult, but life without it is disastrous. He who counts right today will not be counted out tomorrow.”
