Williams Kayode
The Federal Government on Monday released the long-awaited and authentic list of approved subjects for Nigeria’s newly revised Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum, warning schools, parents, and teachers against fake lists currently in circulation.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Professor Salisu Shehu, confirmed that the reforms will kick off from the 2025/2026 academic session at the entry points of every three-year cycle — Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS 1 and SS 1.
Among the new compulsory subjects are Digital Technologies, Citizenship and Heritage Studies, and at least one Trade Subject, with options ranging from Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Fashion Design to Livestock Farming, Beauty & Cosmetology, GSM Repairs and Crop Production.
The government said the reforms, designed under the National Education Sector Reform Initiatives, were meant to “reduce overload, improve relevance and ensure positive learning outcomes.”
Full subject breakdown
Primary 1–3: Pupils will take between 9 and 10 subjects including English, Mathematics, Nigerian Languages, Basic Science, Social and Citizenship Studies, and either Christian or Islamic Studies. Arabic remains optional.
Primary 4–6: Pupils will now have 11–13 subjects, with the addition of Basic Digital Literacy, Pre-vocational Studies, and optional French.
Junior Secondary (JSS 1–3): Students will face 12–14 subjects including Digital Technologies and compulsory Trade Subjects such as Solar Installation, Fashion Design or Computer/GSM Repairs.
Senior Secondary: Students must pass 5 core subjects — English Language, General Mathematics, Digital Technologies, one Trade Subject, and Citizenship & Heritage Studies — alongside science, humanities, or business electives.
The NERDC stressed that teacher training and nationwide sensitization will begin immediately to prepare schools for the transition.
Meanwhile, critics, including some parents and teachers, slammed the FG for “rushing” the reforms, warning that schools lack adequate facilities for smooth implementation. But the government insists the move will better equip Nigerian learners for the future and eliminate curriculum overload.