FG Releases Confirmed Subject List for New School Curriculum, Restores History as Compulsory Subject
The Federal Government has released the approved list of subjects for Nigeria’s revised Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum, ending weeks of confusion caused by multiple unauthorised versions circulating in schools and online.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) confirmed the development in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Professor Salisu Shehu, and issued on September 8, 2025.
According to the council, the approved subjects reflect the government’s commitment to modernising the curriculum and addressing long-standing complaints that pupils were being overloaded with content at the expense of foundational learning.
“All critical stakeholders are advised to disregard any fake or unauthorised list that differs from the authentic and approved version,” the statement read.
NERDC announced that implementation will begin at the entry points of each three-year cycle — Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS1, and SS1 — starting with the next academic session.
Under the revised curriculum, early primary education will prioritise literacy, numeracy, and creativity, with subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Nigerian Languages, Basic Science, Physical and Health Education, and Cultural and Creative Arts.
From Primary 4, pupils will be introduced to Basic Digital Literacy and Pre-Vocational Studies, marking a shift towards early technological exposure and practical learning.
At the Junior Secondary level, students will continue with strengthened science and digital technology programmes while being introduced to a range of vocational trade options, including solar photovoltaic installation, fashion design, livestock farming, and computer hardware repair.
Senior secondary education will adopt a more focused structure — a compact set of core compulsory subjects paired with a mandatory trade or technical specialisation.
The goal, NERDC said, is to ensure that academic study translates directly into employable skills and pathways to higher education.
The council acknowledged that successful rollout depends on teacher preparedness and adequate learning infrastructure.
It disclosed plans for nationwide teacher retraining, provision of instructional materials and workshops, and improvements in power supply and internet access to support the digital components of the curriculum.
“Policy documentation alone does not teach classrooms,” the council noted, emphasising that proper implementation will require close coordination among federal, state, and local education agencies.
In a related announcement, the Federal Ministry of Education confirmed the reinstatement of History as a compulsory subject across all levels of basic education for the first time in decades.
The ministry said the move aims to strengthen national identity, unity, patriotism, and civic responsibility.
Under the new arrangement, pupils from Primary 1 to JSS3 will study Nigeria’s origins, heroes, governance systems, and social development.
At the senior secondary level, a new subject titled Civic and Heritage Studies will merge Civic Education with elements of History. Officials described the reform as “a priceless gift to the nation,” saying it would reconnect children with their roots while instilling pride and national consciousness.
The ministry added that it will retrain teachers, provide updated learning materials, and enhance monitoring systems to ensure smooth delivery.
Education experts have hailed the curriculum overhaul as a crucial step toward relevance and flexibility in Nigeria’s schooling system.
However, they caution that its success will depend on sustained investment, accountability, and consistent leadership in the education sector.
