Courses You Can Study Without Mathematics in Nigeria (Full List)

Mathematics has always been a challenging subject for many students in Nigeria. Each year, thousands of candidates sit for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB examinations, and while some excel in numbers, others struggle. For many students, their biggest worry is whether they can gain admission into a Nigerian university or polytechnic if they do not have credit passes in Mathematics.

This concern is very important in 2025, especially as admission requirements continue to evolve and more students search for courses that can allow them to pursue higher education without Mathematics. The truth is, while Mathematics is compulsory for many science and engineering courses, there are still several degree and diploma programmes that do not require Mathematics as a core subject.

In this guide, we will provide:

• The importance of Mathematics in Nigerian education.

• Reasons why some courses do not require Mathematics.

• A detailed list of courses you can study without Mathematics.

• The admission requirements for these courses.

• Universities and polytechnics in Nigeria that offer such programmes.

• Career opportunities for graduates of these courses.

• Tips for students who want to succeed without Mathematics.

• Frequently asked questions about the subject.

By the end of this article, you will have a clear, complete, and practical roadmap on how to pursue higher education in Nigeria without being held back by Mathematics.

Why Mathematics is Important in Nigerian Education

Mathematics is widely regarded as a core subject in Nigeria. It is included as one of the five compulsory subjects in WAEC and NECO O’Level examinations. For many science and engineering courses, Mathematics is not just compulsory but also central to learning.

Here are some reasons why Mathematics is emphasized:

• Foundation for sciences: Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering rely heavily on mathematical formulas.

• Problem-solving skills: Mathematics teaches logical thinking and structured problem-solving.

• National curriculum policy: The Federal Ministry of Education mandates Mathematics as a compulsory subject at secondary school level.

• Admission requirement: JAMB and most universities require a credit pass in Mathematics for many courses.

However, this does not mean every course in Nigeria strictly requires Mathematics. Certain fields, especially in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, place more focus on communication, creativity, and critical thinking rather than numbers.

Why Some Courses Do Not Require Mathematics

It may surprise some people, but the Nigerian education system allows students to pursue higher education even without credit in Mathematics. This is because:

1. Nature of the discipline – Courses like Law, English, History, or Theatre Arts do not require numerical calculations. Their focus is on reading, writing, and analysis.

2. Skill-based emphasis – Some fields such as Fine Arts, Drama, or Music depend on creativity rather than mathematical ability.

3. Alternative core subjects – In many art and social science programmes, subjects like English, Literature, Government, and CRS/IRS are considered more important.

4. Broadening access – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and Nigerian universities want to ensure that students with different strengths (not only in mathematics) can still gain admission.

This is why there is an official list of courses you can study without Mathematics.

Full List of Courses You Can Study Without Mathematics in Nigeria

Below is a detailed breakdown of courses grouped by faculty/discipline that typically do not require Mathematics as a compulsory O’Level subject.

1. Faculty of Arts and Humanities

• English Language

• Literature in English

• History and International Studies

• Philosophy

• Religious Studies (Christian Religious Studies, Islamic Studies)

• Theatre Arts / Performing Arts

• Music

• Linguistics

• Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and other Nigerian languages

• French

• Arabic Studies

2. Faculty of Law

• Law (LLB)

While some universities may prefer a pass in Mathematics, it is not always a strict requirement. The main focus is usually on English, Literature, and Government.

3. Faculty of Social Sciences

• Political Science

• Sociology

• Psychology (in some universities)

• Mass Communication

• International Relations

• Anthropology

• Criminology and Security Studies

• Peace and Conflict Studies

4. Faculty of Education

• Education and English Language

• Education and Christian Religious Studies

• Education and Islamic Studies

• Education and History

• Adult Education

• Special Education

• Guidance and Counselling

• Educational Management

• Early Childhood Education

5. Other Courses in Polytechnics/Colleges of Education

Some diploma and NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education) courses do not require Mathematics:

• Fine and Applied Arts

• Theatre Arts (ND/NCE level)

• Social Studies (NCE)

• Political Science (ND)

Admission Requirements for Courses Without Mathematics

Although Mathematics may not be compulsory, students must still meet other requirements:

1. O’Level (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB)

   • Minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects.

   • English Language is compulsory for all courses.

   • For Arts courses: Literature, Government, CRS/IRS are often required.

   • For Social Sciences: Government, Economics, or CRS may be needed.

2. JAMB UTME

   • Candidates must register the correct subject combination.

   • For example, Law usually requires English, Literature, CRS/IRS, and Government.

   • Theatre Arts may require English, Literature, CRS/IRS, and another Arts subject.

3. Post-UTME/Screening

   • Some universities conduct internal screening or exams.

   • Applicants must meet departmental cut-off marks.

Universities That Offer Courses Without Mathematics in Nigeria

Most universities in Nigeria provide opportunities for students without Mathematics. Examples include:

• University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Offers Law, Arts, and Education courses.

• University of Ibadan (UI) – Strong in Arts and Humanities programmes.

• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) – Offers multiple languages, Law, and Social Sciences.

• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – Well-known for Theatre Arts, Law, and Mass Communication.

• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – Offers Philosophy, History, and Arts courses.

• Delta State University (DELSU) – Provides Law, Arts, and some Social Sciences.

Almost every federal, state, and private university in Nigeria has departments where Mathematics is not compulsory.

Career Opportunities After Studying Courses Without Mathematics

A common concern among students is whether they will have limited job opportunities if they avoid Mathematics-based courses. The good news is NO. There are many career paths available:

• Law graduates → Lawyers, judges, legal advisers, human rights advocates.

• Mass Communication graduates → Journalists, broadcasters, PR specialists.

• Theatre Arts graduates → Actors, directors, producers, scriptwriters.

• Political Science graduates → Politicians, diplomats, policy analysts.

• Sociology graduates → Social workers, community developers, NGO workers.

• Education graduates → Teachers, counsellors, administrators.

• Linguistics graduates → Translators, interpreters, language experts.

This proves that avoiding Mathematics does not block success.

Challenges of Studying Without Mathematics

Even though opportunities exist, there are challenges:

• Limited access to certain professional fields (Engineering, Medicine, Accounting).

• Some employers still prefer candidates with at least a pass in Mathematics.

• Competition for Law and Mass Communication is very high since many students without Mathematics choose these fields.

Tips for Students Without Mathematics

• Focus on strong performance in English and other relevant subjects.

• Research universities and their specific admission requirements.

• Prepare early for JAMB UTME subject combinations.

• Consider alternatives like Colleges of Education if university admission is difficult.

• Be flexible with career choices.

Summary Table of Courses Without Mathematics in Nigeria

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I study Law without Mathematics in Nigeria?

Yes. Most universities accept Law students without credit in Mathematics as long as they have English, Literature, and Government.

2. Is Mathematics compulsory for Mass Communication?

Not always. English and Literature are the core requirements.

3. Can I gain admission with D7 or E8 in Mathematics?

Yes, for courses that do not require Mathematics.

4. What are the best universities in Nigeria for Arts courses without Mathematics?

UNILAG, UI, UNN, OAU, and ABU are among the best.

5. Can I work in government without Mathematics?

Yes. Many civil service roles accept degrees from Arts and Social Sciences.

6. Can I study Political Science without Mathematics?

Yes, though some universities may require at least a pass.

7. Is Psychology possible without Mathematics?

In some universities, yes. Others may insist on a pass in Mathematics.

8. What is the easiest course without Mathematics?

Theatre Arts, Religious Studies, and History are considered easier by many students.

9. Do polytechnics in Nigeria accept students without Mathematics?

Yes, especially for diploma and NCE programmes.

10. Can I still succeed in life without Mathematics?

Absolutely. Many successful Nigerians studied courses in Law, Arts, and Social Sciences without relying on Mathematics.

Conclusion

In Nigeria today, Mathematics is not the end of education. While it is compulsory for sciences and engineering, there are still many courses at universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education that allow students to build careers without needing Mathematics.

From Law to Theatre Arts, from Mass Communication to Political Science, students have a wide range of opportunities. The key is to focus on other strong subjects, research the admission requirements carefully, and prepare well for JAMB and post-UTME screenings.

For Nigerian students in 2025, this guide is your complete roadmap to courses you can study without Mathematics. So if you are worried about failing Mathematics, do not give up—there is still a clear path to success.