The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially unveiled the long-awaited revised Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum, introducing new subjects such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy, Coding, Journalism, and a range of trade skills into the school system.
The move was announced on Monday, September 8, 2025, by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), marks a historic overhaul of Nigeria’s education sector, with reforms designed to reduce curriculum overload, promote skill acquisition, and prepare learners for the challenges of the 21st century.
According to NERDC Executive Secretary, Professor Salisu Shehu, the authentic subject list has been signed, approved, and gazetted, warning stakeholders against circulating or adopting fake versions of the curriculum.
FG Warns Against Fake Lists:
In its statement, NERDC cautioned schools, teachers, and parents:
“We fervently call on all critical stakeholders to disregard any other fake and unauthentic list that is at variance with the approved list provided above.”
To guarantee smooth implementation, the Federal Government announced a nationwide sensitisation campaign and teacher capacity-building workshops, starting immediately.
Implementation Timeline:
The new curriculum will be introduced gradually at the entry points of each three-year cycle:
Primary 1
Primary 4
JSS 1
SS 1
This ensures a phased and sustainable transition without disrupting ongoing school programs.
Breakdown of Subjects:
Primary School Subjects
Primary 1–3 (Minimum 9 | Maximum 10):
English Studies
Mathematics
Nigerian Languages
Basic Science
Physical & Health Education
Christian Religious Studies (CRS) / Islamic Studies (IS)
Nigerian History
Social & Citizenship Studies
Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
Arabic Language (Optional)
Primary 4–6 (Minimum 11 | Maximum 12/13):
English Studies
Mathematics
Nigerian Languages
Basic Science & Technology
Physical & Health Education
Basic Digital Literacy
CRS / IS
Nigerian History
Social & Citizenship Studies
Cultural & Creative Arts
Pre-vocational Studies
French (Optional)
Arabic (Optional)
Junior Secondary School (JSS 1–3) (Minimum 12 | Maximum 14)
English Studies
Mathematics
Nigerian Languages
Intermediate Science
Physical & Health Education
Digital Technologies
CRS / IS
Nigerian History
Social & Citizenship Studies
Cultural & Creative Arts
Business Studies
Trade Subjects (Choose one):
Solar Photovoltaic Installation
Fashion Design & Garment Making
Livestock Farming
Beauty & Cosmetology
Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs
Horticulture & Crop Production
French (Optional)
Arabic (Optional)
Senior Secondary School (SS 1–3)
Core and Compulsory Subjects:
English Language
General Mathematics
One Trade Subject
Citizenship & Heritage Studies
Digital Technologies
Science Options:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Agriculture
Further Mathematics
Physical/Health Education
Foods & Nutrition
Geography
Technical Drawing.
Humanities Options:
Nigerian History, Government
CRS / IS
One Nigerian Language
French or Arabic
Visual Arts, Music, Literature in English
Home Management: Catering Craft
Business Options:
Accounting, Commerce, Marketing, Economics
Trade Options (Choose one):
Solar Photovoltaic Installation
Fashion Design & Garment Making
Livestock Farming
Beauty & Cosmetology
Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs
Horticulture & Crop Production
What This Means:
The introduction of Coding, AI awareness, and Journalism reflects the government’s bid to produce globally competitive graduates. With more emphasis on skills like renewable energy installation, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship, the curriculum moves away from rote learning toward practical, life-ready education.
Experts say this is a bold step to reduce unemployment, prepare Nigerian youths for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and modernise a system long criticised as outdated and overloaded.
Key Takeaway:
Nigeria’s new subject list signals a paradigm shift in the country’s education system. With AI, Coding, Journalism, and vocational trades now central to learning, schools must align quickly, while teachers undergo capacity development to deliver the new vision.
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