The New Approved NERDC Curriculum Subjects for Basic & Senior Secondary Schools (Nigeria)
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has released a revised Basic and Senior Secondary curriculum with updated subject offerings across school levels. Implementation is designed to begin at the start of each three-year learning cycle: Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS 1, and SS 1. (nerdc.org.ng)
BASIC 1–3 SUBJECTS
At this level, learners focus on foundational literacy, numeracy, values, and early preventives.
- English Studies
- Mathematics
- Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language)
- Basic Science
- Physical & Health Education
- CRS (for Christian pupils) or IS (for Muslim pupils)
- Nigerian History
- Social and Citizenship Studies
- Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
- Arabic Language (Optional)
(nerdc.org.ng)
BASIC 4–6 SUBJECTS
This stage builds stronger academic skills and introduces early digital and vocational learning.
- English Studies
- Mathematics
- Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language)
- Basic Science and Technology
- Physical & Health Education
- Basic Digital Literacy
- CRS (for Christian pupils) or IS (for Muslim pupils)
- Nigerian History
- Social and Citizenship Studies
- Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
- Pre-vocational Studies
- French (Optional)
- Arabic Language (Optional)
(nerdc.org.ng)
JSS 1–3 SUBJECTS
Junior Secondary combines core academics, citizenship, digital skills, and practical trade exposure.
Core Subjects
- English Studies
- Mathematics
- Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language)
- Intermediate Science
- Physical & Health Education
- Digital Technologies
- CRS (for Christian students) or IS (for Muslim students)
- Nigerian History
- Social and Citizenship Studies
- Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
- Business Studies
- French (Optional)
- Arabic Language (Optional)
(nerdc.org.ng)
Trade Subject (Choose ONE)
- Solar Photovoltaic Installation & Maintenance
- Fashion Design & Garment Making
- Livestock Farming
- Beauty & Cosmetology
- Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs
- Horticulture & Crop Production
(nerdc.org.ng)
SS1–SS3 SUBJECTS
At Senior Secondary, students take core compulsory subjects plus electives based on their chosen field.
5 Core & Compulsory Subjects
- English Language
- General Mathematics
- One Trade Subject (Choose one)
- Citizenship and Heritage Studies
- Digital Technologies
(nerdc.org.ng)
Electives (By Field)
Science Electives
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agriculture, Further Mathematics, Physical Education, Health Education, Foods & Nutrition, Geography, Technical Drawing
(nerdc.org.ng)
Humanities Electives
- Nigerian History, Government, CRS, Islamic Studies, One Nigerian Language, French, Arabic, Visual Arts, Music, Literature in English, Home Management, Catering Craft
(nerdc.org.ng)
Business Electives
- Accounting, Commerce, Marketing, Economics
(nerdc.org.ng)