•Prof Anthony Kila
The Convener of the #LetOurChildrenCount campaign, Professor Anthony Kila, has commended the federal government and the Minister of Education for reconsidering and reversing the controversial policy that made Mathematics non-compulsory for Arts students seeking university admission in Nigeria.
In a statement issued today and made available to The Frontier, Prof Kila described the reversal as “a wise and welcome act of listening leadership,” thanking the government for acknowledging the collective voice of scholars, educators, parents, former heads of state, leading legislators, and concerned citizens who stood up for the integrity of education for their listening ears and encouragement.
“We are grateful to the Minister of Education and to all those in government who listened. This decision shows that democracy and dialogue still matter in shaping national policy,” Kila said.
He also expressed deep appreciation to the over 200 professors and academics from every part of the country who signed the #LetOurChildrenCount petition within four days, calling it “a historic show of intellectual citizenship and moral courage.”
“Our professors have demonstrated that ideas still count and that scholars can influence public policy through rational dialogue. I sincerely appreciate their efforts and the contributions they made in guiding informed decisions”.
Kila noted that with the reversal achieved, the campaign will now redirect its focus towards improving the teaching and learning of Mathematics across the country.
“We will work with educators, policymakers, and development partners to create a new dawn for Mathematics — by training teachers, inspiring learners, and rewarding excellence,” he said.
He also urged stakeholders to seize this moment as an opportunity for reform and renewal.
This victory should not be viewed as an end, but as the start of action. The true aim is not merely to make Mathematics compulsory, but to make it comprehensible, appreciated and even enjoyable, and aspirational for every child in Nigeria,” the renowned jurist and political economist concluded.
The #LetOurChildrenCount campaign was launched earlier on Thursday, October 16, 2025, a day after the Federal Ministry of Education announced its plan to remove Mathematics as a compulsory subject for Arts students.
The move sparked widespread criticism from educators, scholars, and civil society groups who argued that numeracy remains essential for critical reasoning, accountability, and modern citizenship.
