FG Unveils Revised Curriculum for Basic, Secondary, and Technical Education

The Federal Government has announced the completion of a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s national curriculum for basic, senior secondary, and technical education, marking the most significant reform in over a decade.

According to a statement by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa (CON), by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad.

Professor Ahmad explained that the review was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

Curriculum Breakdown
The revised framework reduces subject overload while improving content depth and learning quality. Students will now be required to take the following:

• Primary 1–3: 9–10 subjects
• Primary 4–6: 10–12 subjects
• Junior Secondary School: 12–14 subjects
• Senior Secondary School: 8–9 subjects
• Technical Schools: 9–11 subjects

“The review process was not only about streamlining subjects but also about enhancing content to allow for deeper learning,” Ahmad said. She added that the ultimate goal is to deliver education that is “practical and future-ready.”

Implementation and Monitoring
The Ministry confirmed that the new curriculum will be rolled out nationwide with strict monitoring to ensure effective adoption and a smooth transition across schools. Stakeholders involved in the process were commended for their teamwork and commitment to producing what the government describes as a “stronger, future-focused curriculum.”

Background
The secondary school curriculum currently in use was introduced in 2011 and had remained unchanged until now. Reform discussions gained momentum in 2024 when then-Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, disclosed plans for a new curriculum, 12 years after the last review.

Earlier in January 2025, the Federal Government introduced 15 new trades—including plumbing, event management, solar installation, garment making, and digital literacy—into the basic education curriculum to equip students with practical skills.

In February 2025, the National Council on Education debated a proposed shift from the 9-3-4 system to a 12-year basic education model. While the Ministry argued that it would better align Nigeria with global standards, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) criticized the move, saying poor funding—rather than curriculum structure—remains the sector’s most pressing challenge.

Despite these concerns, the Federal Government insists that the new curriculum marks a crucial step toward improving learning outcomes and preparing Nigerian students for the demands of the modern world.