The Federal Government has officially released the approved subject offerings for Nigeria’s newly revised Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum, cautioning stakeholders to disregard fake lists in circulation.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/idrinstitute.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Basil-Momodu-Esq1.png")
In a press release on Monday, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) confirmed that the reforms, developed under the Federal Ministry of Education’s National Education Sector Reform Initiatives (NESRI), are aimed at reducing curriculum overload and improving learning outcomes nationwide.
The notice, signed by NERDC Executive Secretary, Professor Salisu Shehu, on September 8, 2025, stated that the new curriculum will take effect at the beginning of each three-year education cycle — Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS1, and SS1.
“We fervently call on all critical stakeholders to disregard any other fake and unauthentic list that is at variance with the authentic and approved list provided above,” NERDC declared, while announcing that nationwide sensitization and teacher training will commence immediately.
The Council assured that the reforms represent a new phase for Nigeria’s education sector, ensuring flexibility, relevance, and skill acquisition from the earliest levels of learning.
Primary Education Offerings
For Primary 1–3, pupils will take a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 10 subjects, including English Studies, Mathematics, Nigerian Languages, Basic Science, Physical & Health Education, Christian Religious Studies (CRS) or Islamic Studies (IS), Nigerian History, Social and Citizenship Studies, Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA), and Arabic (optional).
For Primary 4–6, the list expands to 11–13 subjects with the addition of Basic Science and Technology, Basic Digital Literacy, Pre-vocational Studies, and French (optional).
Junior Secondary Curriculum
At the Junior Secondary School (JSS 1–3) level, core subjects include English, Mathematics, Nigerian Languages, Intermediate Science, Physical & Health Education, Digital Technologies, CRS/IS, Nigerian History, Social and Citizenship Studies, and CCA. Students must also pick at least one trade subject, such as Solar Photovoltaic Installation, Fashion Design, Livestock Farming, Cosmetology, GSM Repairs, Horticulture, or Business Studies. French and Arabic remain optional.
Senior Secondary Curriculum
Senior Secondary students are required to take five compulsory core subjects: English Language, General Mathematics, one trade subject, Citizenship & Heritage Studies, and Digital Technologies.
Beyond the core, they can specialize in Science, Humanities, or Business, with subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Government, Nigerian History, Literature-in-English, Accounting, Economics, Marketing, Foods & Nutrition, and Technical Drawing. Trade subjects like Solar Photovoltaic Installation, Fashion Design, and Catering Craft are also available.
| Primary School (Primary 1–3) | Senior Secondary (5 Core & Compulsory Subjects) |
|---|---|
| English Studies | English Language |
| Mathematics | General Mathematics |
| Nigerian Languages (One) | One Trade Subject |
| Basic Science | Citizenship & Heritage Studies |
| Physical & Health Education | Digital Technologies |
| Christian Religious Studies (CRS) / Islamic Studies (IS) | |
| Nigerian History | |
| Social and Citizenship Studies | |
| Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA) | |
| Arabic Language (Optional) |
The Federal Government had earlier announced on September 1 that the review covered basic, senior secondary, and technical education, with the goal of making Nigerian learners “future-ready.”
But the reforms have drawn mixed reactions. Some teachers and parents criticized the sudden rollout, saying they were not adequately consulted and warning that many schools lack the infrastructure and manpower for immediate implementation.
The Federal Government, however, insists that the implementation will begin with the 2025/2026 academic session.
Contact & Orders 📞 0704 444 4777 | 0704 444 4999 | 0818 199 9888 🌐 www.alexandernigeria.com
______________________________________________________________________ [Now Available] -- From Crime Scene To Courtroom: An Authoritative Legal Handbook On Police Investigations
In this authoritative work, Basil Momodu Esq., titled Police Investigations in Nigeria Through the Cases 📖 Available now Call 07051822705 or any of the recommended independent booksellers listed hereunder. ______________________________________________________________________ 
“History of Rivers State Judiciary: A Compendium of Personalities on the Bench.” Authored by Ampim Gogo Blankson, Esq., Deputy Director at the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Rivers State Judiciary 💰 Cover Price: ₦20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) Bukky Law Books, Rivers State High Court Complex, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt – 📞 08034868754📞 08034729738📞 Enquiries: ______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials 
