Mathematics as a prerequisite for admission into universities in Nigeria: a call for awareness creation and attitudinal change

Abstract

Mathematics is one of the core subjects that determine secondary school students' admissions into Nigeria universities irrespective of the choice of course. However, large percentage of students are still failing mathematics. Students without a pass in mathematics have been finding solace among few courses that do not require a credit or pass in mathematics for admission process in some universities. In recent times, admission criteria are becoming tougher leaving no roomfÖr students without at least a pass in mathematics. This study assessed mathematics as a prerequisite for admission into Nigeria universities. The study employs descriptive survey. JAIVfB brochureforthree recent academic sessions (2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018) were analyzed for mathematics requiæment for various courses across nine faculties in Nigeria universities. livo research questions were raised for the study. The result shows that the number of courses is increasing, 2015/2016 (618), 2016/2017 (744) and 2017/2018 (761) and the percentage of courses that do not require at least a pass in mathematics is reducing every session, 2015/2016 (10.8), 2016/2017 (6.2) and 2017/2018 (5 5). Based on the findings, students are encouraged to change their attitude towards the learning of mathematics and be more determined to pass the subject in order to meet up with the admission requirement and study their courses of choice in Nigeria universities.