By John Umeh
Federal Government Warns Against Fake Curriculum Lists
As schools across the country resume for the new academic session, the Federal Government has unveiled the authentic list of approved subjects for basic and senior secondary education, cautioning stakeholders to disregard unverified versions currently in circulation.
The announcement was made through the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Professor Salisu Shehu, on September 8, 2025.
According to the Council, the reforms are part of the National Education Sector Reform Initiatives (NESRI) being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME). The aim is to reduce subject overload, improve learning outcomes, and equip students with practical knowledge and life skills.
Implementation Timeline
The NERDC explained that the new curriculum structure will take effect gradually, beginning with the entry classes of each cycle:
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Primary 1
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Primary 4
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JSS 1
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SS 1
The Council added that nationwide sensitisation campaigns and teacher training programmes will begin immediately to ensure smooth adoption of the reforms.
Subject Breakdown
Primary 1–3
Minimum: 9 subjects | Maximum: 10 subjects
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English Studies
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Mathematics
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One Nigerian Language
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Basic Science
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Physical & Health Education
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Christian Religious Studies (CRS) / Islamic Studies (IS)
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Civic Education
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Cultural & Creative Arts
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Pre-Vocational Studies
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Optional: French
Primary 4–6
Minimum: 10 subjects | Maximum: 11 subjects
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English Studies
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Mathematics
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Basic Science & Technology
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One Nigerian Language
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Christian Religious Studies (CRS) / Islamic Studies (IS)
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Civic Education
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Social Studies
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Cultural & Creative Arts
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Pre-Vocational Studies
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Physical & Health Education
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Optional: French
Junior Secondary School (JSS 1–3)
Minimum: 12 subjects | Maximum: 13 subjects
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English Studies
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Mathematics
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Basic Science & Technology
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Social Studies
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Civic Education
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One Nigerian Language
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Christian Religious Studies (CRS) / Islamic Studies (IS)
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Cultural & Creative Arts
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Pre-Vocational Studies
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Physical & Health Education
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Business Studies
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French (Optional)
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Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
Senior Secondary School (SS 1–3)
Students are to offer a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 9 subjects, including core and elective subjects depending on their chosen career path (Science, Arts, or Technical).
Core Subjects (Compulsory):
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English Language
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General Mathematics
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Civic Education
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One Trade/Entrepreneurship subject
Elective Subjects (Based on discipline):
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Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Further Mathematics, Agricultural Science
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Arts/Humanities: Literature-in-English, History, Government, Fine Arts, Nigerian Languages
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Technical/Commercial: Financial Accounting, Commerce, Technical Drawing, ICT, Economics
A New Phase for Education
The NERDC emphasised that the reforms are meant to make Nigeria’s curriculum flexible, relevant, and skills-driven, ensuring that learners not only acquire academic knowledge but also practical competencies needed for the 21st century.
“These reforms mark a new chapter in Nigeria’s education sector, prioritising functionality, adaptability, and skill acquisition from the earliest stages,” the Council declared.
With the official list now released, the Federal Government urged schools, parents, and education stakeholders to adopt only the approved subjects and disregard any misleading versions being circulated.
