Popular Nigerian social commentator and political analyst, Reno Omokri, has taken a swipe at the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his criticism of the Federal Government’s reported policy to remove Mathematics as a compulsory subject for Art students seeking university admission.
Omokri Questions Obi’s Academic Standing
Omokri, known for his outspoken opinions on political and social matters, mocked Obi’s comments by bringing up his alleged academic record. In a Facebook post, Reno stated that Obi did not obtain a credit in Mathematics in his West African Examination Council (WAEC) results, questioning his authority to demand that others meet the same requirement he allegedly failed to achieve.
He wrote: “See someone who did not get a credit in Mathematics insisting that Nigerian Art students must pass Mathematics during WAEC before they can gain admission into a university. That means Peter Obi should return his certificate to UNN. By his own admission, he did not merit his admission.”
Omokri’s remarks quickly stirred social media conversations, with many Nigerians debating both men’s positions on the importance of Mathematics for Art students. Some users sided with Obi, insisting that a strong educational foundation in Maths is vital for all students, while others agreed with Omokri’s criticism, describing Obi’s comment as hypocritical.
Reno Compares Obi with Tinubu
Taking his criticism further, Omokri compared Peter Obi to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, contrasting their approaches to education policy. According to him, while Tinubu’s administration is creating opportunities through student loan programs, Obi’s comments allegedly reflect a mindset that could limit students’ access to higher education.
“President Tinubu is giving you student loans to facilitate your university dreams, while Obi is placing roadblocks in your way. If you are an art student, vote for Peter Obi at your own risk!” Omokri added.
The post drew mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media. Some accused Omokri of twisting the narrative to favor the ruling government, while others praised him for holding Obi accountable for his statements.
Peter Obi’s Criticism of the Policy
Earlier this week, Peter Obi had publicly faulted the reported decision of the Federal Government to make Mathematics optional for Art students seeking tertiary education admission. In a lengthy post titled, “Back and Forth Policy on Mathematics: A Costly Mistake,” Obi warned that such a move could further weaken Nigeria’s already struggling education system.
He emphasized that Mathematics forms an essential part of cognitive development and problem-solving skills, regardless of the field of study. According to him, the country should focus on improving the quality of teaching and learning rather than lowering academic standards.
“We must continue to build a strong educational foundation. Excluding Mathematics from university admission requirements for Art students is not the solution to the challenges in our education system. Instead, we should focus on better training, improved infrastructure, and modern teaching methods,” Obi stated.
Federal Government Clarifies Policy
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Education later issued a clarification, noting that Mathematics would remain compulsory at the secondary school level, but its relevance in tertiary admissions could depend on specific program requirements. Despite this clarification, debates over the subject’s importance have continued across social media and academic circles.
The exchange between Omokri and Obi adds to the ongoing public debate about Nigeria’s educational policies and the balance between maintaining standards and ensuring inclusivity for all students.
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