By Enioluwa Adeniyi
In a bold move to reshape Nigeria’s education system, the Federal Government has officially released the long-awaited and authentic subject offerings for the revised Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum. The government has also issued a stern warning to schools, teachers, and parents to beware of fake versions already circulating across the country.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), in a statement on Monday signed by its Executive Secretary, Professor Salisu Shehu, clarified that only the list approved on September 8, 2025, should be trusted.
> “We fervently call on all critical stakeholders to disregard any fake and unauthentic lists at variance with the approved version. Only the authentic list released by NERDC remains valid,” the Council declared.
The NERDC further announced that nationwide sensitisation campaigns and teacher training programmes will commence immediately to ensure seamless implementation of the new reforms.
Curriculum Overhaul for Better Learning
The reforms, introduced under the National Education Sector Reform Initiatives (NESRI) of the Federal Ministry of Education, aim to reduce curriculum overload, strengthen skill acquisition, and align classroom learning with global standards.
Implementation will begin at entry points of each three-year cycle — Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS 1, and SS 1.
NERDC assured Nigerians that the reforms mark a new dawn in education, designed to be more relevant, flexible, and focused on positive learning outcomes for the future workforce.
Highlights of the Approved Curriculum
Primary School (Basic 1–3)
Minimum: 9 subjects | Maximum: 10 subjects
English Studies, Mathematics, Nigerian Languages, Basic Science, Physical & Health Education, CRS/IS, Nigerian History, Social & Citizenship Studies, Cultural & Creative Arts, Arabic (Optional).
Primary School (Basic 4–6)
Minimum: 11 subjects | Maximum: 12–13 subjects
Includes English, Mathematics, Nigerian Languages, Basic Science & Technology, Physical & Health Education, Basic Digital Literacy, CRS/IS, Nigerian History, Social & Citizenship Studies, Cultural & Creative Arts, Pre-vocational Studies, French (Optional), Arabic (Optional).
Junior Secondary (JSS 1–3)
Minimum: 12 subjects | Maximum: 13–14 subjects
Includes English, Mathematics, Nigerian Languages, Intermediate Science, Physical & Health Education, Digital Technologies, CRS/IS, Nigerian History, CCA, Social & Citizenship Studies, Business Studies.
Trade subjects (pick one): Solar PV Installation, Fashion Design, Livestock Farming, Beauty & Cosmetology, Computer Hardware/GSM Repairs, Horticulture & Crop Production.
French and Arabic remain optional.
Senior Secondary (SS 1–3)
Core Subjects (Compulsory): English, Mathematics, One Trade Subject, Citizenship & Heritage Studies, Digital Technologies.
Science Options: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agriculture, Further Mathematics, Physical/Health Education, Foods & Nutrition, Geography, Technical Drawing.
Humanities Options: Nigerian History, Government, CRS/IS, Literature in English, Languages (One Nigerian Language, French, or Arabic), Visual Arts, Music, Home Management, Catering Craft.
Business Options: Accounting, Commerce, Marketing, Economics.
Trade Subjects (pick one): Same as JSS, including technical and vocational skills.
Why It Matters
Education experts have hailed the new curriculum as a transformative step to equip Nigerian students with digital literacy, vocational skills, and cultural awareness while reducing the academic burden that has plagued schools for decades.
By placing emphasis on trade skills like solar installation, garment making, livestock farming, and ICT repairs, the reforms are expected to produce a generation of graduates better prepared for Nigeria’s evolving economy.
NERDC urged schools to begin preparations immediately and reassured parents that the new system was designed to secure a brighter, skill-driven future for their children.
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