The Federal Government has officially released the newly revised curriculum for Nigeria’s basic and senior secondary schools, aiming to reduce subject overload, improve skills acquisition, and align the education system with global standards.

Announcing the reforms on Tuesday, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, alongside Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, said the changes followed extensive consultations with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, WAEC, NECO, NBTE, NABTEB, and other key stakeholders.

“The review was necessary to ensure our students acquire practical skills while keeping pace with international education standards,” Alausa said.

Under the new curriculum, pupils in Primary 1–3 will study nine to ten subjects, including English Studies, Mathematics, one Nigerian Language, Basic Science, Physical and Health Education, Nigerian History, Social and Citizenship Studies, Cultural and Creative Arts, and either Christian Religious Studies or Islamic Studies. Arabic will remain optional.

For Primary 4–6, students will take 11 to 13 subjects, which now include Basic Digital Literacy and Pre-vocational Studies. French will also be offered as an optional subject.

At the Junior Secondary School level (JSS 1–3), students will study 12 to 14 subjects, with Digital Technologies, Business Studies, and a compulsory trade subject added.

Trade options include Solar Photovoltaic Installation, Fashion Design, Livestock Farming, Beauty and Cosmetology, Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs, and Horticulture.

The Senior Secondary School curriculum now requires five core subjects: English Language, General Mathematics, one trade subject, Citizenship and Heritage Studies, and Digital Technologies.

Students may then select electives from sciences, humanities, business, and technical disciplines, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Government, Literature, Accounting, and Visual Arts. Vocational and trade courses such as Catering Craft and Horticulture are also included.

Professor Ahmad emphasized that the reforms aim to make Nigerian learners “future-ready” and equipped with the practical skills needed to thrive in an evolving global economy.

“This curriculum is not just about academics; it’s about preparing our students for the world beyond the classroom,” she said.

The government had announced on September 1 that a comprehensive review of school curricula had been completed for basic, senior secondary, and technical education, marking a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria’s education system.