The Federal Government has released the approved subject list for basic and senior secondary education in Nigeria, addressing weeks of confusion caused by unverified online lists. The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) issued a communique, signed by Executive Secretary Professor Salisu Shehu on September 8, 2025, confirming the authentic curriculum approved by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME).
NERDC emphasized the need to clarify “unauthentic versions” circulating online. To ensure effective implementation, nationwide sensitization and teacher training programs are planned. The revised curriculum will be rolled out at the start of each three-year education cycle (Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS1, and SS1).
Approved Subjects in Nigeria’s New School Curriculum
Below is the NERDC-vetted subject list:
Primary 1–3
– English Studies
– Mathematics
– One Nigerian Language
– Basic Science
– Physical & Health Education
– Christian Religious Studies (CRS) or Islamic Studies (IS)
– Nigerian History
– Social and Citizenship Studies
– Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
– Arabic Language (Optional)
Note: Minimum of 9, maximum of 10 subjects
Primary 4–6
– English Studies
– Mathematics
– One Nigerian Language
– Basic Science and Technology
– Physical & Health Education
– Basic Digital Literacy
– Christian Religious Studies (CRS) or Islamic Studies (IS)
– Nigerian History
– Social and Citizenship Studies
– Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
– Pre-vocational Studies
– French (Optional)
– Arabic Language (Optional)
Note: Minimum of 11, maximum of 12 or 13 subjects
Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1–3
– English Studies
– Mathematics
– One Nigerian Language
– Intermediate Science
– Physical & Health Education
– Digital Technologies
– Christian Religious Studies (CRS) or Islamic Studies (IS)
– Nigerian History
– Social and Citizenship Studies
– Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
– Business Studies
– One Trade Subject (choose one):
– Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Maintenance
– Fashion Design and Garment Making
– Livestock Farming
– Beauty and Cosmetology
– Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs
– Horticulture and Crop Production
– French (Optional)
– Arabic Language (Optional)
Note: Minimum of 12, maximum of 13 or 14 subjects
Senior Secondary School (SSS3)
Core and Compulsory Subjects:
– English Language
– General Mathematics
– One Trade Subject (from the same list as JSS)
– Citizenship and Heritage Studies
– Digital Technologies
Science Electives:
– Biology
– Chemistry
– Physics
– Agriculture
– Further Mathematics
– Physical Education
– Health Education
– Foods & Nutrition
– Geography
– Technical Drawing
Humanities Electives:
– Nigerian History
– Government
– Christian Religious Studies or Islamic Studies
– One Nigerian Language
– French
– Arabic
– Visual Arts
– Music
– Literature in English
– Home Management
– Catering Craft
Business Electives:
– Accounting
– Commerce
– Marketing
– Economics
The curriculum aims to provide a balanced, skill-oriented education, with trade subjects introduced to foster practical skills and entrepreneurship.
