Mathematics must remain a mandatory component of the NMT - Minister of Education
Kyiv • UNN
Minister of Education Oksen Lisovyi spoke in favor of keeping mathematics mandatory for the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT). The subject is considered key for the development of logic and successful learning.
Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Oksen Lisovyi stated that mathematics must remain a mandatory component of admission to Ukrainian universities, UNN reports.
In recent days, there has been an ongoing discussion regarding whether mathematics should remain a mandatory component of the NMT (National Multi-Subject Test). My position is clear: yes, it should. And it is not about every graduate becoming a mathematician. It is about the fact that mathematics forms skills without which it is difficult to imagine modern higher education and professional fulfillment. These include logical thinking, the ability to analyze information, work with data, find patterns, and make informed decisions
According to the minister, one can often hear the argument about the excessive complexity of the test. However, it is important to understand: the content of the NMT in mathematics does not go beyond the school curriculum, and some of the tasks correspond to the level of grades 5–7. To pass the threshold score, it is enough to earn only 5 test points. In other words, we are not talking about advanced knowledge, but about basic mathematical literacy.
Unfortunately, the results of the international PISA-2022 study showed that more than 40% of Ukrainian teenagers do not even reach the basic level of mathematical literacy. For us, this is a signal not to lower the requirements, but on the contrary — to improve the quality of education and support students in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills. At the same time, research shows that results in the Ukrainian language and mathematics are the best predictors of students' future success in higher education institutions. Therefore, mathematics in entrance exams is not a barrier, but an important tool for assessing readiness for study
The minister emphasized that this is particularly relevant today, as technology and artificial intelligence increasingly influence our lives. In a world where data grows every day, the ability to think critically, analyze information, and work with numbers becomes a vital competency for every person.
Therefore, I am convinced: mathematics must remain a mandatory component of admission to Ukrainian universities
As a reminder
The Rada proposes to reduce the NMT to three subjects starting from 2027. Mathematics may become elective instead of mandatory for all applicants.