Join our WhatsApp channel HERE for the latest Benue news and updates!
In a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria’s education system, the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) has officially released the approved list of subjects for the newly revised Basic and Senior Secondary Education curriculum. This announcement, made under the National Education Sector Reform Initiatives (NESRI), aims to reduce curriculum overload, streamline content, and reposition teaching and learning for better outcomes among Nigerian students.
The release comes amid reports of unauthorized and fake subject lists circulating online, which have caused confusion among stakeholders. The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has urged parents, teachers, and the public to disregard any unverified versions and adhere strictly to the authentic list provided.
Signed by Professor Salisu Shehu, Executive Secretary of NERDC, on September 8, 2025, the press release emphasizes the need for nationwide sensitization and teacher capacity-building activities to ensure smooth implementation. The changes will roll out progressively, starting with each 3-year education cycle: Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1), and Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1).
Key Changes in the Curriculum
The revised curriculum introduces a more focused structure, with minimum and maximum subject limits at each level to prevent overburdening students. Notably, it incorporates trade subjects to foster practical skills and includes options for languages and religious studies tailored to pupils’ backgrounds. Here’s a breakdown of the approved subjects by education level:
Primary 1-3 (Minimum of 9 subjects; Maximum of 10 subjects)
- English Studies
- Mathematics
- Nigerian Languages (one Nigerian language)
- Basic Science
- Physical & Health Education
- Christian Religious Studies (for Christian pupils only) / Islamic Studies (for Muslim pupils only)
- Nigerian History
- Social and Citizenship Studies
- Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
- Arabic Language (Optional)
Primary 4-6 (Minimum of 10 subjects; Maximum of 12 subjects)
- English Studies
- Mathematics
- Nigerian Languages (one Nigerian language)
- Basic Science and Technology
- Physical & Health Education
- Christian Religious Studies (for Christian pupils only) / Islamic Studies (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 1-3 (Minimum of 11 subjects; Maximum of 13 subjects)
- English Studies
- Mathematics
- Nigerian Languages (one Nigerian language)
- Intermediate Science
- Physical & Health Education
- Digital Technologies
- Christian Religious Studies (for Christian pupils only) / Islamic Studies (for Muslim pupils only)
- Nigerian History
- Social and Citizenship Studies
- Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
- Trade Subjects (students to choose one from the following):
1. Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Maintenance
2. Fashion Design and Garment Making
3. Livestock Farming
4. Beauty and Cosmetology
5. Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs
6. Horticulture and Crop Production
- Business Studies
- French (Optional)
- Arabic Language (Optional)
Senior Secondary School (Minimum of 12 subjects; Maximum of 14 subjects)
Core and Compulsory Subjects:
- English Language
- General Mathematics
- One Trade Subject (choose one from the list above)
- Citizenship and Heritage Studies
- Digital Technologies
Science Subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Agriculture
- Further Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Health Education
- Foods & Nutrition
- Geography
- Technical Drawing
Humanities:
- Nigerian History
- Government
- Christian Religious Studies
- Islamic Studies
- (Additional options may apply based on school offerings)
Business Subjects:
- Accounting
- Commerce
- Marketing
- Economics
This structure reflects a shift toward integrating vocational and digital skills early on, preparing students for real-world challenges while maintaining core academic foundations.
The curriculum overhaul is part of broader efforts by the FME to address longstanding issues in Nigeria’s education sector, including outdated content and excessive subject loads that hinder effective learning. By streamlining offerings, the reform seeks to promote positive learning outcomes and better equip students for global competitiveness.
NERDC has been at the forefront of these changes, collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the curriculum aligns with national development goals. The emphasis on trade subjects like solar photovoltaic installation and livestock farming highlights a push toward entrepreneurship and sustainable practices.
Educators and parents are encouraged to participate in upcoming sensitization programs to familiarize themselves with the new framework. Schools will need to adapt their timetables and resources accordingly, with implementation beginning immediately in the specified entry years.
While the reform has been welcomed by many for its focus on relevance, some concerns linger about resource availability in underfunded institutions. As Nigeria continues to evolve its education system, this update marks a proactive response to calls for modernization.
Stay tuned for updates on implementation progress and stakeholder reactions.
