By Our Reporters
On September 3, 2025, the Federal Government released the full list of subjects under the newly introduced national school curriculum.
The curriculum, which takes effect from the 2025/2026 session, makes digital literacy and basic entrepreneurship compulsory at the JSS level, while programming, artificial intelligence, and new languages feature prominently in SSS classes.
According to the government, the aim is to equip students with 21st-century competencies in digital literacy, practical skills, and emerging trades. The new subjects include programming (Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS), data science basics, AI and robotics, digital entrepreneurship, and cybersecurity.
Schools and students react
In Abuja, schools welcomed the policy but noted that the rollout was too sudden.
Dr. Mary Chinwuba, founder of Chalcedony School Kubwa, said the curriculum came as a surprise. “The new curriculum actually took us unawares, as it wasn’t what we prepared for. But since it’s out, we have to adjust to the new normal,” she said.
Mr. Solomon Alimi, Director of Christ Chosen Group of Schools, Gwarinpa, described the reform as long overdue. “If we keep running the analog curriculum we have been using, over time the gap may be too wide for the country to fill,” he said.
In Kano, Ambassador Usman Inuwa Dutse, Director of Inuwa Dutse International School, said the overhaul could change the fortunes of Nigeria’s education sector. But Malam Zangina Muhammad, a teacher in Tarauni LGA, cautioned that a shortage of qualified teachers and infrastructure remains a challenge.
In Benue State, proprietors shared similar concerns. Agatha Yanaga of Goodly Seed Christian Academy, Makurdi, said: “We already teach computer studies, and now they are talking about digital skills, but we haven’t seen materials or textbooks to that effect.”
Students, however, expressed optimism. “It has reduced the number of subjects and students will now be learning more and more. It will be easier,” said Idiong Godwin, a JSS3 student in Abuja. In Benue, Shidoo Edmond said she was excited to finally learn practical skills.
Experts list hurdles
While praising the reform, stakeholders highlighted hurdles such as poor infrastructure, unreliable power supply, and lack of training for teachers.
Analyst Tijjani Sarki proposed the creation of an Independent Standing Committee on Education Accountability and Quality Assurance to ensure reforms are sustained.
Hon. Nic Uzor, Director of Divine Gems School, questioned how subjects like robotics can be taught without electricity or internet. “You can’t teach robotics and coding without gadgets, and the gadgets cannot work effectively without electricity,” he said.
Parent and tech expert Abiodun Adu added that Nigeria is playing catch-up and stressed the need for stable power supply.
Education expert Michael Omisore criticized the late announcement of the curriculum. “The timing was odd. It was so close to a new session. To me, that’s a joke,” he said, stressing the need for orientation, training, and evaluation before rollout.
New curriculum breakdown
Technology & Innovation: Programming, Data Science basics, AI & Robotics, Digital Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity.
Primary 1–3: 9–10 subjects. Core: English, Mathematics, Basic Science & Tech, Cultural & Creative Arts, Religion & National Values, Nigerian Language.
Primary 4–6: 10–12 subjects. Core: English, Mathematics, Basic Science & Tech, Cultural & Creative Arts, Religion & National Values, Pre-Vocational Studies, Arabic (optional), Nigerian Language.
Junior Secondary School: 12–14 subjects. Core: English, Mathematics, Basic Science & Tech, Cultural & Creative Arts, Religion & National Values, Pre-Vocational Studies, Business Studies, French, Arabic (optional), Nigerian Language.
Senior Secondary School: 8–9 subjects. Core: English, Mathematics, Civic Education, Humanities, Trade/Entrepreneurship, Science & Mathematics, Technology & Business Studies. Technical schools: 9–11 subjects.
Contributions From Jide Olusola (Abuja), Hope Abah (Benue), Ahmad Datti (Kano), Dotun Omisakin (Lagos)
Muslim M Yusuf (Kaduna)
