FG Overhauls School Curriculum, Reintroduces History as Compulsory Subject

The Federal Government has announced a major reform of Nigeria’s national curriculum, aimed at reducing the academic burden on students while strengthening skills-based learning, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship.

According to the Ministry of Education, the new curriculum—developed in consultation with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), WAEC, NECO, NBTE, and NABTEB—will take effect from the 2025/26 academic session.

Under the revised structure:

Primary 1–3 pupils will now take 9–10 subjects, down from 13–15.

Primary 4–6 will study 10–12 subjects, instead of 15–17.

Junior Secondary (JSS 1–3) students will offer 12–14 subjects, a reduction from 15–18.

Senior Secondary (SSS 1–3) students will take 8–9 subjects, compared to the previous 15–20.

Technical schools will now focus on 9–11 subjects, instead of 18 or more.

The new structure introduces Humanities, Sciences, Business, one core trade subject, and compulsory general courses. Nigerian History has also been reintroduced as a compulsory subject from Primary 1 to JSS 3. At the senior secondary level, a new subject, Citizenship and Heritage Studies, will merge History, Civic Education, and Social Studies.

Trade subjects have been streamlined to six practical areas, including Solar PV Installation and Maintenance, Fashion Design, Cosmetology, GSM Repairs, Computer Hardware, and Horticulture. NABTEB will administer 28 revamped trade subjects in technical colleges.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the overhaul will simplify teaching for educators while redirecting government resources toward building a skill-driven education system.

He assured parents, teachers, and students of full support to ensure a smooth transition.