The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), has approved a fresh structure for both Basic and Senior Secondary Education, introducing new subjects, vocational trades, and digital skills to better prepare learners for the future. The revised curriculum takes effect in January 2025 for Basic Education and in September 2025 for Senior Secondary Schools.
The Council is currently chaired by Prof. Ismail Junaidu, who oversees its implementation and nationwide rollover
Basic Education Curriculum (Primary and Junior Secondary)
The revised structure balances foundational learning with vocational exposure and technology-driven skills.
Primary 1–3 (9–10 Subjects)
English Studies
Mathematics
One Nigerian Language
Basic Science
Physical and Health Education
Religious Studies (Christian or Islamic, as appropriate)
Nigerian History, Social and Citizenship Studies
Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA)
Arabic Language (Optional)
Primary 4–6 (10–12 Subjects)
All of the above plus:
Basic Science and Technology
Basic Digital Literacy
Pre-vocational Studies
French or Arabic (Optional)
Junior Secondary School (12–14 Subjects)
English Studies
Mathematics
One Nigerian Language
Integrated/Intermediate Science
Physical and Health Education
Digital Technologies
Religious Studies (Christian or Islamic)
Nigerian History, Social and Citizenship Studies
Cultural and Creative Arts
Business Studies
French/Arabic (Optional)
One Trade or Entrepreneurship subject
Vocational and Trade Offerings
The government has introduced 15 vocational trades for learners in Primary and JSS. These include:
Digital Skills: Robotics, Information Technology
Building & Construction: Plumbing, Tiling, POP Installation
Hospitality & Leisure: Event Decoration, Bakery, Hairstyling, Makeup, Interior Design
Services: GSM Repairs, Satellite/Antenna Installation, CCTV and Intercom Maintenance, Solar Installation, Garment Making
Agriculture: Beekeeping, Horticulture, Crop Production, Poultry, Rabbit, Goat and Sheep Farming
Pupils will gain broad exposure to these fields but may graduate with one or two trade competencies.
Senior Secondary Curriculum (SS1–SS3)
From the 2025/2026 academic session, Senior Secondary students will take 8–9 subjects. The curriculum emphasizes specialization while retaining compulsory core areas.
Core Compulsory Subjects
English Language
General Mathematics
Citizenship and Heritage Studies
Digital Technologies
One Trade/Vocational Subject
Specializations
Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agriculture, Further Mathematics, Foods and Nutrition, Geography, Technical Drawing, Physical and Health Education.
Humanities: History, Government, Literature in English, Nigerian Languages, Religious Studies (Christian or Islamic), French/Arabic, Visual Arts, Music, Home Management, Catering Craft.
Business Studies: Economics, Accounting, Marketing, Commerce.
Modern Additions
The new curriculum introduces:
Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cybersecurity
Programming (Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS)
Journalism, Public Speaking, Fact-Checking
Project Work and Research Skills.
Why This Matters:
This overhaul is designed to reduce unemployment by equipping learners with digital, entrepreneurial, and vocational skills alongside traditional academics. By blending sciences, humanities, business, and technical trades, the curriculum aims to produce graduates who are both employable and adaptable to global opportunities.
In summary:
Basic Education: Strong foundation with exposure to trades and digital literacy.
Senior Secondary: Specialization supported by compulsory technology and trade subjects.
The changes position Nigeria’s education system to prepare young people not only for further studies but also for the modern workforce.
