The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a major reform of the national curriculum under the initiative titled “Lighter Load, Stronger Minds.”_
This strategic initiative, led by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Marut Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s educational philosophy.
Developed after extensive consultations with key stakeholders including NERDC, WAEC, NECO, NBTE, and NABTEB, the new curriculum is built on three core principles: reducing subject overload, promoting practical skill development, and aligning Nigerian education with global best practices.
Core Objectives of the New Curriculum
The revision addresses long-standing concerns about the breadth-over-depth approach in schools. The primary goals are:
· To significantly reduce the number of compulsory subjects, allowing for more focused and in-depth learning.
· To integrate practical, market-relevant vocational skills into the junior secondary school level.
· To strengthen the teaching of national history and civic values to foster a stronger sense of national identity.
· To streamline subject offerings for greater efficiency and global competitiveness.
Key Changes and Highlights
The overhaul introduces several critical changes across all levels of basic education.
1. Significant Reduction in Subject Load
The most immediate change is the reduction in the number of subjects students must take, as detailed below:
· Primary 1–3: Reduced from 13–15 subjects to 9–10 subjects.
· Primary 4–6: Reduced from 15–17 subjects to 11–13 subjects.
· Junior Secondary School (JSS 1–3): Reduced from 15–18 subjects to 12–14 subjects.
· Senior Secondary School (SSS 1–3): Reduced from 15–20 subjects to 8–9 subjects.
2. Introduction of Practical Trade Subjects
A major innovation is the introduction of vocational trade subjects at the Junior Secondary School level. From JSS 1 to JSS 3, students will now select one practical skill to study. The available options include:
· Solar Photovoltaic Installation & Maintenance
· Fashion Design & Garment Making
· Livestock Farming
· Beauty & Cosmetology
· Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs
· Horticulture & Crop Production
3. Strengthening National History and Identity
The curriculum places a renewed emphasis on civic education and national history:
· Nigerian History is now a compulsory subject from Primary 1 through to JSS 3.
· The offering of Nigerian Languages has been streamlined. Students will study one primary language, choosing from Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba.
· A new subject, Citizenship and Heritage Studies (CHS), will be introduced at the Senior Secondary School level.
Basic Education Update subject list
Primary 1–3
– English Studies
– Mathematics
– Nigerian Language (choose one: Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo)
– Basic Science
– Physical & Health Education
– CRS (for Christian pupils) or IS (for Muslim pupils)
– Nigerian History
– Social & Citizenship Studies
– Cultural & Creative Arts
– Arabic Language (optional)
Primary 4–6
– English Studies
– Mathematics
– Nigerian Language (choose one)
– Basic Science & Technology
– Physical & Health Education
– Basic Digital Literacy
– CRS or IS
– Nigerian History
– Social & Citizenship Studies
– Cultural & Creative Arts
– Pre-vocational Studies
– French (optional)
– Arabic Language (optional)
Junior Secondary School (JSS 1–3)
– English Studies
– Mathematics
– Nigerian Language (choose one)
– Intermediate Science
– Physical & Health Education
– Digital Technologies
– CRS or IS
– Nigerian History
– Social & Citizenship Studies
– Cultural & Creative Arts
– Trade Subjects (choose one):
– Solar Photovoltaic Installation & Maintenance
– Fashion Design & Garment Making
– Livestock Farming
– Beauty & Cosmetology
– Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs
– Horticulture & Crop Production
– French (optional)
– Arabic Language (optional)
