The Federal Government has unveiled the approved list of subjects for Nigeria’s revised Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum, cautioning the public to disregard any unofficial versions being circulated.
In a statement released Monday, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) confirmed that the changes were part of the Federal Ministry of Education’s National Education Sector Reform Initiatives (NESRI), aimed at reducing curriculum overload and improving learning outcomes across schools nationwide.
Signed by NERDC Executive Secretary, Professor Salisu Shehu, on September 8, 2025, the notice stated that the new curriculum will take effect from the beginning of each new three-year educational cycle, Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS1 and SS1.
The Council also announced that nationwide sensitisation campaigns and teacher training would begin immediately to support successful implementation.
It emphasized that the reforms are designed to boost flexibility, relevance, and skills development in the education sector.sector
Primary 1 – 3
Minimum: 9 subjects | Maximum: 10 subjects
- English Studies
- Mathematics
- Nigerian Languages (one)
- Basic Science
- Physical & Health Education
- CRS (Christian Religious Studies) or IS (Islamic Studies)
- Nigerian History
- Social and Citizenship Studies
- Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
- Arabic Language (Optional)
Primary 4 – 6
Minimum: 11 subjects | Maximum: 12 or 13 subjects
- English Studies
- Mathematics
- Nigerian Languages (one)
- Basic Science and Technology
- Physical & Health Education
- Basic Digital Literacy
- CRS / IS
- Nigerian History
- Social and Citizenship Studies
- Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
- Pre-vocational Studies
- French (Optional)
- Arabic (Optional)
Junior Secondary School (JSS1 – 3)
Minimum: 12 subjects | Maximum: 13 or 14 subjects
- English Studies
- Mathematics
- Nigerian Languages (one)
- Intermediate Science
- Physical & Health Education
- Digital Technologies
- CRS / IS
- Nigerian History
- Social and Citizenship Studies
- Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
- Trade Subjects (Choose one):
- Solar Photovoltaic Installation & Maintenance
- Fashion Design & Garment Making
- Livestock Farming
- Beauty & Cosmetology
- Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs
- Horticulture & Crop Production
- Business Studies
- French (Optional)
- Arabic (Optional)
Senior Secondary School
Core and Compulsory Subjects (5)
- English Language
- General Mathematics
- One Trade Subject
- Citizenship and Heritage Studies
- Digital Technologies
Elective Subjects (Grouped)
Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Agriculture
- Further Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Health Education
- Foods & Nutrition
- Geography
- Technical Drawing
Humanities
- Nigerian History
- Government
- CRS / IS
- One Nigerian Language
- French
- Arabic
- Visual Arts
- Music
- Literature in English
- Home Management
- Catering Craft
Business
- Accounting
- Commerce
- Marketing
- Economics
Trade Subjects (Choose one)
- Solar Photovoltaic Installation & Maintenance
- Fashion Design & Garment Making
- Livestock Farming
- Beauty & Cosmetology
- Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs
- Horticulture & Crop Production
The Federal Government had earlier announced on September 1 that it had completed a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s curricula for basic, senior secondary, and technical education to ensure that students are “future-ready.”
However, the curriculum rollout has not been without criticism.
Several teachers and parents have voiced concerns over a lack of consultation and the readiness of schools to implement the new structure.
They have warned that insufficient preparation could lead to confusion and inefficiencies.
Despite this, the government has remained firm, stating that the new curriculum will take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
