Nigeria Unveils Smarter Primary School Curriculum: Fewer Subjects, Stronger Skills

Nigeria’s Federal Government has taken a bold step to reshape the future of education with a streamlined and skill-driven primary school curriculum. The new structure reduces subject overload, strengthens core learning in English, Mathematics, Science, and Civic Values, and introduces digital literacy and vocational exposure from the earliest years. Starting September 2025, pupils will enjoy a more balanced education that blends academic excellence with real-world skills — preparing them not just for exams, but for life.

📘 Primary School Curriculum (Restructured)

Primary 1 – 3 (Lower Basic):

👉 Pupils will now focus on 9–10 subjects, streamlined for foundational learning.

Core Subjects:

1. English Studies

2. Mathematics

3. One Nigerian Language (Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba depending on region)

4. Basic Science & Technology

5. Social Studies / Civic Education

6. Religious Studies (CRK/IRK as applicable)

7. Cultural & Creative Arts

8. Physical & Health Education

9. Pre-Vocational Studies (early introduction to simple life/entrepreneurship skills)

10. Computer/ICT (Digital Literacy) – optional in some schools depending on facilities

Primary 4 – 6 (Middle Basic):

👉 Pupils will now take 10–12 subjects, slightly expanded for deeper learning.

Core Subjects:

1. English Studies

2. Mathematics

3. One Nigerian Language (Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba depending on region)

4. Basic Science & Technology

5. Social Studies / Civic Education

6. Religious Studies (CRK/IRK as applicable)

7. Cultural & Creative Arts

8. Physical & Health Education

9. Pre-Vocational Studies (expanded — e.g. Agriculture, Home Economics, Simple Technical Skills)

10. Computer/ICT (Digital Literacy, Coding basics where possible)

11. French (recommended as a second official foreign language)

12. National Values Education (Citizenship, Security, and Ethics emphasis)

✨ Key Features of the Restructuring

Content Overload Reduced

– Old curriculum had up to 16 subjects in some cases; now streamlined to 9–12 max depending on level.

Focus on Core Literacy & Numeracy

– English and Math remain central throughout.

Integration of Values & Citizenship

– Civic, Religious, and Social Studies merged where possible into National Values Education.

Early Digital Skills:

– ICT/Digital Literacy introduced from Primary 1, building up to coding, robotics, and digital citizenship at higher levels.

Practical / Vocational Exposure

– Pre-Vocational Studies to gradually expose pupils to agriculture, crafts, and entrepreneurial thinking.

Flexibility

– States/schools can adapt based on language and resource availability (e.g., Nigerian Language choice, ICT access).

👉 In short, the restructuring balances academic strength (English, Math, Science) with values (Civic, Religious, Social Studies) and 21st-century readiness (ICT, vocational skills) — while cutting down subject overload.