By Akano Jesuloba
Communication students at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) have voiced concerns over the mandatory inclusion of mathematics in their curriculum, arguing that the subject is irrelevant to their humanities-oriented studies.
OAU offers four communication-related programs: Mass Communication, Film Production, Broadcast Journalism, and Information Science and Media Studies. Though traditionally aligned with the arts and humanities, these programs are housed under the Department of Sociology and Anthropology in the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Unlike many other universities, where communication students are not required to take mathematics courses, OAU mandates them. For example, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the University of Lagos—pioneering institutions in Nigeria’s mass communication education—students do not take mathematics throughout their four-year program. However, OAU’s Faculty of Social Sciences enforces compulsory mathematics courses for all students, leaving communication students with little choice.
A 200-level communication student, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed surprise and frustration at the requirement. "I never thought I’d have to take mathematics in university, especially since it was such a difficult subject for me in secondary school," she said. She only discovered that mathematics was mandatory a few weeks before resumption. "Since we’re in a department and faculty we’re not supposed to be in, we’re offering courses we shouldn’t have to take. Personally, I believe Mass Communication belongs under the Faculty of Arts."
Interestingly, at other institutions where mass communication falls under social sciences—such as Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Ahmadu Bello University—students are not required to take mathematics. This inconsistency raises questions about the appropriateness of OAU’s program structure.
Another student, who also wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration with the mathematics courses. "These courses are affecting my CGPA, and I’m not happy that I’ll still have to take them for two more semesters," he said. Despite raising the issue during a departmental meeting, he noted that management dismissed their concerns, advising students to "bear with it." He hopes the remaining mathematics courses will be less challenging.
Class representative Bakare Victor views the mathematics requirement as an obstacle to overcome. "I’m not thrilled about it, but at the end of the day, it’s a challenge I’ve accepted," he said. When asked about handling complaints from his classmates, he responded, "No one has complained to me directly, and even if they do, I’ll direct them to the appropriate authorities. By now, I believe no one should still be complaining about this."
During a departmental colloquium last semester, the former Dean of the Faculty, Professor Idowu Aina, justified the inclusion of mathematics by explaining that students would graduate with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree, which traditionally includes mathematics. However, as the debate continues, many students remain hopeful that the management will reconsider the curriculum to better reflect the humanities focus of their program.
