By Erewunmi Peace

The Federal Government has unveiled a major overhaul of the curriculum for basic, senior secondary, and technical education in Nigeria. The new framework, announced by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, aims to reduce subject overload, promote practical learning, and align education with global standards.

The updated curriculum comes after consultations with education stakeholders including the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

5 Major Changes in the New Curriculum

1. Reduced Subject Load
   The number of subjects per student has been trimmed to ease learning pressure while maintaining core competencies.
2. Clear Subject Allocation by Level

Primary 1–3: 9–10 subjects

Primary 4–6: 10–12 subjects

Junior Secondary: 12–14 subjects

Senior Secondary: 8–9 subjects

Technical Schools: 9–11 subjects

3. More Practical and Skill-Based Learning
   The new curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, problem-solving, and real-life applications.
4. Vocational Skills Integration
   In addition to academic subjects, 15 vocational trades such as digital literacy, robotics, plumbing, and event management have been added to enhance employability.
5. Collaborative Development
   The new curriculum was developed in partnership with education agencies and stakeholders to ensure relevance and inclusivity.

According to the Minister, these changes are aimed at producing well-rounded students capable of thriving in the modern economy.