This was announced in a press release by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), signed by its Executive Secretary, Professor Salisu Shehu, on September 8, 2025. The Council urged all stakeholders to disregard any unauthorised or fake subject lists circulating in public.
According to the statement, the reforms—undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) through the National Education Sector Reform Initiatives (NESRI)—are aimed at reducing curriculum overload while ensuring “positive learning outcomes” for Nigerian pupils. Implementation will commence from the beginning of each three-year education cycle: Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS 1, and SS 1.
NERDC noted that the new curriculum is designed to promote relevance, flexibility, and skill acquisition from the foundational stages of learning.
Primary School Subjects
- Primary 1–3: Pupils will offer a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 10 subjects, including English Studies, Mathematics, one Nigerian Language, Basic Science, Physical & Health Education, Nigerian History, Social and Citizenship Studies, Cultural & Creative Arts, and Religious Studies (CRS/IS). Arabic is optional.
- Primary 4–6: Pupils will take 11–13 subjects, with the addition of Basic Science & Technology, Basic Digital Literacy, Pre-vocational Studies, and French as an optional subject.
Junior Secondary School (JSS 1–3)
Students will offer between 12 and 14 subjects, including English Studies, Mathematics, Intermediate Science, Digital Technologies, Nigerian Languages, Citizenship Studies, CCA, and Physical & Health Education. They will also select at least one trade subject, such as Solar Photovoltaic Installation, Fashion Design, Livestock Farming, Cosmetology, GSM Repairs, or Business Studies. French and Arabic remain optional.
Senior Secondary School (SS 1–3)
At the senior level, students will take five compulsory core subjects:
- English Language
- General Mathematics
- One Trade Subject
- Citizenship & Heritage Studies
- Digital Technologies
Other elective categories include:
- Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agriculture, Further Mathematics, Physical & Health Education, Foods & Nutrition, Geography, Technical Drawing.
- Humanities: Nigerian History, Government, CRS, IS, French, Arabic, Visual Arts, Music, Literature in English, Home Management.
- Business: Accounting, Commerce, Marketing, and Economics.
- Trade Subjects: Options include Solar Photovoltaic Installation, Fashion & Garment Making, Livestock Farming, Beauty & Cosmetology, GSM Repairs, and Horticulture.
The Council emphasized that the reforms represent “a new phase in Nigeria’s education sector” that will strengthen foundational learning, encourage creativity, and better prepare students with practical skills for the modern economy.