Nigeria’s Federal Government Unveils New Curriculum for Basic and Senior Secondary Schools
In a
landmark move aimed at reforming Nigeria’s education system, the Federal
Government has officially released the approved list of subjects for Basic and
Senior Secondary Education.
This announcement, made by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), comes as part of the National Education Sector Reform Initiatives (NESRI), which seeks to streamline learning, reduce curriculum overload, and enhance skill acquisition across the country.
The
revised curriculum is structured to take effect at the beginning of each
three-year education cycle, specifically at Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior
Secondary School 1 (JSS1), and Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1). The NERDC
emphasized that this authentic list supersedes any previously circulated
versions, warning stakeholders to disregard fake or unofficial subject lists.
For
pupils in Primary 1 to 3, the curriculum now includes a minimum of nine and a
maximum of ten subjects. These subjects are designed to provide foundational
knowledge in literacy, numeracy, science, and cultural awareness, while also
incorporating religious studies based on the pupil’s faith. Arabic is offered
as an optional subject.
In
Primary 4 to 6, the subject load increases to between eleven and thirteen, with
the introduction of Basic Digital Literacy and Pre-vocational Studies. French
and Arabic remain optional, reflecting Nigeria’s multilingual and multicultural
diversity.
Junior
Secondary School students (JSS1 to JSS3) will now study between twelve and
fourteen subjects. The curriculum introduces Digital Technologies and Business
Studies, alongside a compulsory trade subject. Trade options include practical
fields such as Solar Photovoltaic Installation, Fashion Design, Livestock
Farming, Beauty and Cosmetology, Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs, and
Horticulture. These additions aim to equip students with hands-on skills that
are relevant to modern economic demands.
At the
Senior Secondary level, five core subjects have been made compulsory: English
Language, General Mathematics, one trade subject, Citizenship and Heritage
Studies, and Digital Technologies. Students are then allowed to choose from a
wide array of electives spanning sciences, humanities, business, and technical
disciplines. These include subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics,
Government, Literature in English, Accounting, Visual Arts, Catering Craft, and
more.
The
Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with key stakeholders such as
WAEC, NECO, NBTE, and NABTEB, has assured that nationwide sensitization and
teacher training programs will commence immediately to ensure smooth
implementation.
According
to Professor Salisu Shehu, Executive Secretary of NERDC, the reforms are
designed to make Nigeria’s education system more relevant, flexible, and
skills-driven, preparing learners not only for higher education but also for
real-world challenges and opportunities.
BREAK DOWN: Full list of subjects published
PRIMARY
SCHOOL SUBJECTS
Primary 1–3
Minimum: 9 subjects | Maximum: 10 subjects
English Studies
Mathematics
Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language)
Basic Science
Physical & Health Education
Christian Religious Studies (CRS) for Christian pupils /
Islamic Studies (IS) for Muslim pupils
Nigerian History
Social and Citizenship Studies
Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
Arabic Language (Optional)
Primary 4–6
Minimum: 11 subjects | Maximum: 12 or 13 subjects
English Studies
Mathematics
Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language)
Basic Science and Technology
Physical & Health Education
Basic Digital Literacy
CRS (For Christian Pupils Only) / IS (For Muslim Pupils
Only)
Nigerian History
Social and Citizenship Studies
Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
Pre-vocational Studies
French (Optional)
Arabic Language (Optional)
JUNIOR
SECONDARY SCHOOL (JSS 1–3)
Minimum: 12 subjects | Maximum: 13 or 14 subjects
English Studies
Mathematics
Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language)
Intermediate Science
Physical & Health Education
Digital Technologies
CRS (For Christian Pupils Only) / IS (For Muslim Pupils
Only)
Nigerian History
Social and Citizenship Studies
Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
Trade Subjects (Choose one):
Solar Photovoltaic Installation & Maintenance
Fashion Design & Garment Making
Livestock Farming
Beauty & Cosmetology
Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs
Horticulture & Crop Production
Business Studies
French (Optional)
Arabic Language (Optional)
SENIOR
SECONDARY SCHOOL
5 Core and Compulsory Subjects
English Language
General Mathematics
One Trade Subject
Citizenship and Heritage Studies
Digital Technologies
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Agriculture
Further Mathematics
Physical Education
Health Education
Foods & Nutrition
Geography
Technical Drawing
Humanities
Nigerian History
Government
Christian Religious Studies
Islamic Studies
One Nigerian Language
French
Arabic
Visual Arts
Music
Literature in English
Home Management
Catering Craft
Business
Accounting
Commerce
Marketing
Economics
Trade Subjects (Choose one)
Solar Photovoltaic Installation & Maintenance
Fashion Design & Garment Making
Livestock Farming
Beauty & Cosmetology
Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs
Horticulture & Crop Production
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