Nigeria Unveils New Curriculum with Full Subject List for Junior and Senior Secondary Schools
In a bold stride toward modernizing education, the Federal Government of Nigeria has released a comprehensive new curriculum for Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) students, set to take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
The curriculum overhaul is designed to equip students with 21st-century skills, emphasizing digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and practical learning.
At the
junior secondary level, students will be introduced to a wide array of subjects
that blend foundational academic knowledge with emerging technological
competencies. Mathematics and Measurement will cover essential topics such as
numbers, fractions, geometry, algebra, and statistics. English Language will
focus on essay writing, grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, and oral communication,
including debates and drama. Integrated Science will combine elements of
physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science, with an emphasis on lab safety
and technology. A major innovation is the inclusion of Digital Literacy and
Coding, where students will learn to use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, conduct
internet research, and begin coding with Python and Scratch, alongside basic
robotics.
Social
Studies will explore Nigerian and African history, civics, geography, and
entrepreneurship basics, while language studies will include advanced mother
tongue instruction and conversational fluency in French or Arabic. Creative
Arts will expose students to drawing, painting, crafts, drama, film basics, and
music. Physical and Health Education will address sports, nutrition,
reproductive health, and drug abuse awareness.
Senior
Secondary School students will encounter a more advanced suite of subjects
tailored to prepare them for global competitiveness. Mathematics and Advanced
Applications will delve into algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, and
financial mathematics. English and Communication will emphasize academic
writing, literary analysis, public speaking, journalism, and fact-checking. The
sciences will include advanced physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental
science.
Technology
and Innovation will be a cornerstone of the new curriculum, offering
programming in Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS, as well as modules in
artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, digital entrepreneurship, and
cybersecurity. Social Sciences will encompass government, law, economics,
history, philosophy, and ethics, with entrepreneurship woven throughout.
Language instruction will continue with advanced mother tongue literature and
fluency in French, Arabic, or optionally Chinese. Creative Arts and Innovation
will expand to include fine arts, music, drama, and media production. Physical
and Health Education will cover mental health, advanced sports, CPR, and
leadership training. Finally, students will undertake Research and Project
Work, culminating in a final-year project involving data collection, analysis,
presentation, and defense.
The
unveiling of the new curriculum was spearheaded by the Nigerian Educational
Research and Development Council (NERDC), in collaboration with the Federal
Ministry of Education and other key stakeholders. It reflects a strategic shift
from rote learning to a more dynamic, skill-based approach that prepares
students for real-world challenges and global opportunities.
One of
the most significant aspects of the reform is its emphasis on digital skills
and innovation. By introducing coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence at
the secondary level, Nigeria is positioning its youth to compete in the global
tech economy. This is a major departure from previous curricula, which often
lacked practical relevance and failed to keep pace with technological
advancements.
The
curriculum also places strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, aiming to cultivate
a generation of self-reliant individuals who can create jobs rather than merely
seek them. Students will be exposed to business planning, financial literacy,
and digital marketing, ensuring that they graduate with both academic knowledge
and marketable skills.
Language
and cultural preservation are also prioritized. The curriculum encourages
fluency in indigenous languages and promotes the study of African literature
and history, fostering a deeper sense of identity and pride among students. At
the same time, the inclusion of global languages like French, Arabic, and
Chinese reflects Nigeria’s commitment to international engagement and
multicultural competence.
Teachers
across the country are expected to undergo intensive training to effectively
deliver the new curriculum. The government has pledged to provide digital
tools, updated textbooks, and infrastructure support to ensure smooth
implementation. Pilot programs are already underway in select schools, with
full rollout anticipated by the 2025/2026 academic year.
Education
experts, parents, and students have largely welcomed the reform, describing it
as a long-overdue modernization of Nigeria’s education system. While challenges
remain, such as teacher shortages, funding gaps, and infrastructural
limitations, the new curriculum represents a bold step toward transforming
Nigerian education into a more inclusive, relevant, and future-ready system.
As the
nation prepares for this educational shift, the hope is that Nigerian students
will not only excel academically but also emerge as innovators, leaders, and
global citizens equipped to shape the future.
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