The Federal Government has released the official subject list for Nigeria’s newly revised Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum, warning educational stakeholders to disregard circulating fake versions of the approved subjects.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council issued a statement on Monday confirming that only the officially approved list signed by Executive Secretary Professor Salisu Shehu on September 8, 2025, should be considered authentic. The Council emphasized the need for all stakeholders to reject any fraudulent lists that contradict the approved curriculum structure.
NERDC announced that nationwide sensitization and teacher capacity-building programs will commence immediately to ensure successful implementation of the reformed curriculum across Nigeria’s education system.
The curriculum overhaul, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Education under its National Education Sector Reform Initiatives, aims to reduce academic overload while enhancing positive learning outcomes for Nigerian students. The reforms represent a significant shift toward relevance, flexibility, and early skill acquisition in the country’s educational framework.
Implementation of the new curriculum will begin at the start of each three-year education cycle, affecting Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School 1, and Senior Secondary School 1 students. This phased approach ensures systematic integration of the revised subject offerings across all educational levels.
At the primary level, students in Primary 1-3 will study between nine and ten subjects, including core areas such as English Studies, Mathematics, Nigerian Languages, Basic Science, Physical and Health Education, and Religious Studies. The curriculum introduces Nigerian History and Social and Citizenship Studies as mandatory subjects, while Arabic Language remains optional.
Primary 4-6 students will tackle eleven to thirteen subjects, with the addition of Basic Science and Technology, Basic Digital Literacy, and Pre-vocational Studies. French and Arabic Language continue as optional offerings, reflecting the government’s commitment to multilingual education.
Junior Secondary School students will engage with twelve to fourteen subjects, including a significant innovation in trade subjects. Students must choose from specialized vocational options including Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Maintenance, Fashion Design and Garment Making, Livestock Farming, Beauty and Cosmetology, Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs, and Horticulture and Crop Production.
The Senior Secondary School structure maintains five core compulsory subjects: English Language, General Mathematics, one Trade Subject, Citizenship and Heritage Studies, and Digital Technologies. Students can then select additional subjects from Science, Humanities, Visual Arts, and Business categories based on their career aspirations.
The curriculum reform introduces practical vocational training at the junior secondary level, addressing Nigeria’s need for skilled technicians and entrepreneurs. The inclusion of digital technologies as a core subject across multiple levels reflects the government’s recognition of technology’s importance in modern education and future employment opportunities.
NERDC’s warning about fake curriculum lists highlights concerns about misinformation that could undermine implementation efforts. The Council’s emphasis on authentic documentation ensures schools, teachers, and parents receive accurate guidance for the educational transition.
The reforms signal a departure from traditional academic-only approaches toward a more comprehensive system that balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills development, potentially better preparing Nigerian students for contemporary workforce demands.
