The Federal Government has issued a formal clarification on the operation of Nigeria’s newly revised Senior Secondary School Curriculum, following days of confusion and speculation among students, parents, and school administrators. In the official statement, the Ministry of Education emphasized that students are free to choose any subjects from the approved national list, regardless of the traditional “science,” “arts,” or “commercial” classifications previously used in Nigerian secondary education.
The clarification comes amid widespread anxiety triggered by rumours suggesting that students would be restricted to specific groups of subjects under the new curriculum. According to the ministry, such claims are misleading and inaccurate, noting that the redesigned curriculum was developed to promote flexibility, broaden student options, and reduce learning burdens.
Students Can Now Combine Subjects Across All Fields
Under the revised structure, the well-known issue of forcing students into rigid subject streams has been abolished. The ministry stated clearly that:
- Students may combine subjects across science, arts, business, and humanities, provided the chosen subjects are approved and offered by their school.
- Schools, parents, counsellors, and certified guidance officers are expected to guide learners toward suitable combinations that align with career goals and academic strengths.
- No subject is restricted to any particular “stream,” and no student is compelled to specialize narrowly unless they choose to.
This marks one of the biggest curriculum shifts since the 6-3-3-4 system was introduced in the 1980s.
Core Subjects: What Every Student Must Offer
The Federal Ministry of Education confirmed that every senior secondary student must take the following core subjects:
- English Language
- General Mathematics
- Citizenship and Heritage Studies
- Digital Technologies
- One Trade Subject (only if the school offers it and the student has been taught it)
The inclusion of Digital Technologies as a compulsory subject — replacing the former “ICT” title — reflects an effort to strengthen digital literacy and prepare Nigerian students for a technology-driven global economy. The ministry added that the content remains essentially the same as the old ICT curriculum, and students previously taught ICT can register under the new name without disadvantage.
Citizenship and Heritage Studies, another compulsory component, merges civic education with aspects of Nigerian history to improve national awareness, ethics, and civic responsibility.
Electives: Broad, Open, Flexible
The newly approved curriculum is built on four large fields from which students can freely select electives. Schools are expected to offer a balanced selection depending on staffing, infrastructure, and capabilities.
Science Electives
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agriculture, Further Mathematics, Geography, Physical Education, Health Education, Technical Drawing, Food & Nutrition.
Humanities and Arts Electives
History, Government, CRS, IRS, Nigerian Languages (Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba), French, Arabic, Visual Arts, Music, Literature in English, Home Management, Catering Craft.
Business Electives
Economics, Accounting, Commerce, Marketing.
Trade/Vocational Subjects
Students may choose from six approved trade subjects, including:
- Solar PV Installation and Maintenance
- Livestock Farming
- Beauty & Cosmetology
- Fashion Design & Garment Making
- Horticulture & Crop Production
- Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs
However, the ministry stressed that no student is required to take a trade subject if their school does not offer it. Trade subjects are to be chosen only where teaching and infrastructure are available.
Fewer Subjects, Better Focus
One of the major changes in the new curriculum is the reduction of subject load. Senior secondary students are now expected to take 8 to 9 subjects total, instead of the 13–20 subjects previously common in schools.
According to the government, this reduction aims to:
- Improve focus and academic performance
- Reduce stress and cognitive overload
- Allow students to concentrate on career-relevant subjects
- Strengthen mastery instead of broad, shallow learning
Several education experts have applauded this development, noting that Nigerian students have long struggled with unnecessarily heavy course loads compared to global standards.
Why This Clarification Matters
The Ministry of Education issued the clarification after reports of misinformation spread across social media platforms and within some schools. Some posts had incorrectly suggested that the government was reintroducing strict specialization, thereby forcing students back into narrow subject pathways.
The ministry rejected these claims, stating that the entire essence of the new curriculum is flexibility, employability, and alignment with modern global education standards. It urged schools to rely on official guidelines rather than assumptions or outdated practices.
Benefits for Students Under the New System
1. Greater Personalization
Students can finally build hybrid subject portfolios — a combination of science, arts, business, or vocational subjects — based on passion, skills, or career aspirations.
2. Stronger Digital Competencies
With Digital Technologies now compulsory, every student gains essential computer literacy and introduction to modern digital skills.
3. Practical, Employable Skills
The introduction of vocational subjects provides opportunities for students to learn trades such as solar power installation or cosmetology, skills that can create pathways to employment, self-reliance, or entrepreneurship.
4. Better Civic Awareness
Citizenship and Heritage Studies reintroduces essential knowledge about Nigeria’s history, values, and civic duties, aiming to rebuild national identity and correct historical knowledge gaps.
5. Healthier Academic Workload
With fewer subjects to handle, students are expected to perform better, manage stress more effectively, and develop deeper mastery.
What Schools and Parents Must Do Now
The government urged school authorities, principals, and teachers to:
- Provide students with full guidance during subject selection
- Update school timetables to align with the new curriculum
- Ensure teachers are trained in the renamed and revised subjects
- Avoid misinformation and follow only official directives
Parents are also encouraged to take active roles in guiding their children’s subject choices, ensuring that selections match both interest and long-term career goals.
Student FAQ: Clearing the Confusion
To make the new system crystal clear for students, here are the most commonly asked questions:
1. Can I choose any subject I want?
Yes. You can choose any subject from the approved list, even if it doesn’t belong to your old “science,” “arts,” or “commercial” stream. Your choices must follow school guidelines and be subjects your school actually offers.
2. Does this mean the old streams (Science, Arts, Commercial) have been cancelled?
The streams still exist as categories, but they no longer restrict you. You can pick subjects across categories freely.
3. How many subjects must I take?
You must take 8 or 9 subjects total, including compulsory subjects and your electives.
4. What are the compulsory subjects I must take?
- English Language
- General Mathematics
- Digital Technologies
- Citizenship & Heritage Studies
- One Trade Subject (only if your school offers it)
5. Do I have to take a trade subject?
No. Only if your school offers it and you have been taught it.
6. Is ICT still available?
Yes, but it is now called Digital Technologies. Students who studied ICT before can register under the new name.
7. Can I combine science and arts subjects?
Yes. You can mix any subjects offered by your school.
8. Can I become a science student without taking all science subjects?
Yes. But to study a science course in university, you must meet the required subject prerequisites.
9. What should I consider before choosing my subjects?
Consider your career goals, strengths, university requirements, school offerings, and seek advice from teachers or counsellors.
10. Can I choose subjects my school does not teach?
No. You can only register for subjects that your school offers.
11. What if I’m still confused about my combinations?
Consult your school counsellor, teachers, or parents for guidance.
12. Are universities aware of this new curriculum?
Yes. Admission bodies are fully involved, so university requirements will align with the new structure.
13. Does the new curriculum mean JAMB subjects will change?
Not immediately. But your choices must still align with your intended course’s requirements.
14. Why did the government change the curriculum?
To reduce overload, improve digital literacy, increase employable skills, allow flexibility, and strengthen civic and historical education.
15. What should I do right now as a student?
Check your school’s subject offerings, identify your interests and strengths, and choose wisely with proper guidance.
