Removing mathematics requirement for arts, humanities will curb forgery — Oloyede

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, says the Federal Government’s decision to remove Mathematics as a compulsory requirement for students seeking admission into arts and humanities courses is aimed at curbing the growing trend of certificate forgery among applicants.

Oloyede made this known on Sunday in Ibadan during the formal opening of the Jihad Week organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), University of Ibadan chapter, where he also inaugurated the group’s new publication, Ad-dhikr Magazine.

He explained that the policy, which had existed for years but was not fully implemented, was now being aligned with educational realities by the Ministry of Education to promote fairness and reduce falsification of academic results.

“How do you deny someone admission to study Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or Arabic just because they didn’t pass Mathematics — when the same person can study Yoruba at the University of London without it?” Oloyede asked.

“The Ministry’s action is a realignment with reality, and it serves our collective interest not to encourage forgery,” he added.

Delivering a lecture titled “The Paragon,” Oloyede urged Muslims to be role models and ambassadors of good conduct, stressing that MSSN must unite Muslims and project the true image of Islam through character, not just preaching.

“The MSSN has the capacity to show the beauty of Islam. The current generation must continue to build sincere relationships and foster genuine unity,” said the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin.

Also speaking, Mr. Idris Adeoye, who chaired the event, commended the MSSN’s founding fathers for their vision and encouraged young Muslims to live as true representatives of their faith. He also urged Nigerian youths to believe in their country and avoid acts that could destroy their future.

Earlier, Umar Faruq, the Ameer of MSSN, University of Ibadan, decried the increasing moral decay in society, urging young Muslims to shun internet fraud, alcohol consumption, and other vices.

“As Muslims, we must stand tall as role models in our actions, academics, spirituality, and mindset,” Faruq said.

In his remarks, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, Vice President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), emphasised MSSN’s strategic role in both Islamic propagation and educational development. He urged the organisation to adapt positively to changing times while maintaining inclusivity among Muslims.

Founded in 1954, MSSN remains one of Nigeria’s largest Islamic student organisations, dedicated to promoting Islamic education, unity, and welfare among Muslim students through religious, educational, and leadership programmes nationwide.