The Federal Ministry of Education introduced the new curriculum to:
Reduce subject overload and help learners focus better FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Promote practical skills (trade/vocational learning) alongside academics FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION+1
Strengthen digital readiness through Digital Literacy / Digital Technologies nerdc.org.ng+1
Restore and strengthen Nigerian History as a key subject from Primary through JSS FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION+1
Old vs New Curriculum (Clear Differences)
Subject Load (Old vs New)
Under the reforms, the subject count was reduced across levels. For example:
Primary 1–3: Old 13–15 → New 9–10
Primary 4–6: Old 15–17 → New 10–12
JSS 1–3: Old 15–18 → New 12–14
SSS 1–3: Old 15–20 → New 8–9 FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Learning Focus
Old Curriculum Lesson Notes: traditional structure, more subject-heavy, used widely during the transition.
New Curriculum Lesson Notes (Sept. 2025): fewer subjects, clearer outcomes, stronger skills + digital + creativity emphasis. FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION+1
New Revised Curriculum Subjects by Level (What Learners Now Offer)
Below is the official approved subject offering under the New Revised Curriculum. nerdc.org.ng
Primary 1–3 (Basic 1–3)
Minimum 9, maximum 10 subjects: nerdc.org.ng
English Studies
Mathematics
Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language)
Basic Science
Physical & Health Education
CRS (Christian pupils) / IS (Muslim pupils)
Nigerian History
Social and Citizenship Studies
Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
Arabic Language (Optional)
Why it matters: strong literacy/numeracy foundation + early creativity (CCA) + civic awareness + national identity (History). FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION+1
Primary 4–6 (Basic 4–6)
Minimum 11, maximum 12 or 13 subjects: nerdc.org.ng
English Studies
Mathematics
Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language)
Basic Science and Technology
Physical & Health Education
Basic Digital Literacy
CRS / IS
Nigerian History
Social and Citizenship Studies
Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
Pre-vocational Studies
French (Optional)
Arabic Language (Optional)
Why it matters: this is where the new curriculum intentionally grows hands-on skills — creativity (CCA), Digital Literacy, and Pre-vocational learning (intro to practical life skills and work habits). nerdc.org.ng+1
Junior Secondary School 1–3 (JSS/GSS 1–3)
Minimum 12, maximum 13 or 14 subjects: nerdc.org.ng
English Studies
Mathematics
Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language)
Intermediate Science
Physical & Health Education
Digital Technologies
CRS / IS
Nigerian History
Social and Citizenship Studies
Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
Trade Subject (choose ONE)
Business Studies
French (Optional)
Arabic Language (Optional)
Trade (choose one): nerdc.org.ng+1
Solar Photovoltaic installation & maintenance
Fashion design & garment making
Livestock farming
Beauty & cosmetology
Computer hardware & GSM repairs
Horticulture & crop production
Why it matters: this is the government’s major push for art/crafts, practical work, and employable skills inside the school system — not only theory. FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION+1
Senior Secondary School 1–3 (SS 1–3)
At SSS level, students take 8–9 subjects, with 5 core/compulsory and then electives based on track. FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION+1
5 Core & Compulsory Subjects: nerdc.org.ng+1
English Language
General Mathematics
One Trade Subject
Citizenship and Heritage Studies
Digital Technologies
Electives by track (examples): nerdc.org.ng
Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agriculture, Further Mathematics, etc.
Humanities: Nigerian History, Government, CRS/IS, Languages, Literature, Music/Visual Arts, etc.
Business: Accounting, Commerce, Marketing, Economics
Why it matters: students become more future-ready — stronger digital learning, stronger citizenship/heritage understanding, plus at least one trade skill. FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION+1