The Federal Government has introduced a revised curriculum framework for basic, secondary, and technical education, aimed at reducing subject overload and improving the quality of teaching and learning across Nigerian schools. The reform, officials say, is designed to give students more time to learn effectively while aligning the nation’s education system with global standards.
Announcing the development in Abuja, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the review was carried out in collaboration with key agencies and education stakeholders. These included the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
According to the new framework, pupils in Primary 1–3 will now take 9–10 subjects, while those in Primary 4–6 will study 10–12. Junior Secondary School students will offer between 12 and 14 subjects, while Senior Secondary students will focus on 8–9 subjects. Technical school students are expected to take between 9 and 11 subjects, ensuring a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Prof. Ahmad emphasized that the reforms were driven by the need to eliminate content overload, foster deeper understanding, and prepare learners for contemporary challenges in education and the workforce. She added that the streamlined subject structure will also allow for stronger emphasis on vocational and technical learning, reflecting global trends in skill-based education.
Commending the active role of stakeholders in shaping the new curriculum, the minister assured that the Federal Ministry of Education will establish strict monitoring mechanisms to guarantee smooth adoption across schools nationwide. She stressed that the implementation of the revised framework will be gradual but effective, ensuring that teachers, administrators, and students adapt seamlessly to the transition.
