The Federal Government has announced a sweeping reform of Nigeria’s national curriculum, slashing the number of subjects taught across primary and secondary schools while placing new emphasis on skills, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Education on Wednesday, September 3, the government said the overhaul followed wide consultations with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), WAEC, NECO, NBTE, NABTEB, and other key stakeholders.
The new structure, which will take effect from the 2025/26 academic session, is aimed at easing the academic load on students and equipping them with practical skills needed to thrive in a changing world.
Under the revised curriculum, pupils in Primary 1–3 will now offer nine to 10 subjects, down from 13 to 15, while those in Primary 4–6 will take 10 to 12 subjects instead of 15 to 17. Junior Secondary School students will be limited to 12 to 14 subjects, a reduction from 15 to 18, while Senior Secondary School students will now choose eight to nine subjects, compared to the earlier 15 to 20. Technical school students will focus on nine to 11 subjects, instead of 18 or more.
The new curriculum groups learning into Humanities, Sciences, Business, a compulsory trade subject, and general compulsory courses. Nigerian History has been reintroduced as a compulsory subject from Primary 1 to JSS 3, while a new Citizenship and Heritage Studies subject will combine History, Civic Education, and Social Studies at the senior secondary level.
To promote hands-on learning, trade subjects in non-technical schools have been streamlined to six practical areas, including Solar PV Installation and Maintenance, Fashion Design and Garment Making, Livestock Farming, Beauty and Cosmetology, Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs, and Horticulture and Crop Production.
At the technical level, NABTEB will administer 28 revamped trade subjects, while WAEC and NECO have also aligned their subjects to reflect the changes.
According to the ministry, the reforms will reduce pressure on learners, simplify teaching for educators, and redirect government resources to building a stronger, skill-driven education system.
“The curriculum overhaul is a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalising the education sector, enhancing the quality of instruction, and ensuring that Nigerian students are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in the global economy,” the statement read.
The government assured parents, teachers, and students that adequate support will be provided for a smooth transition to the new curriculum.