Government reveals updated educational program for primary, secondary, and technical institutions in Nigeria

In a significant move towards modernising the nation's education system, the Federal Ministry of Education has proposed a shift from the traditional 9-3-4 system to a 12-year basic education model. This change was announced by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa CON.

The new curriculum, developed by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) and officially published in 2021, is designed to reduce content overload, improve learning outcomes, and equip students with skills relevant to global demands. The revised curricula will be implemented nationwide with close monitoring.

Primary school pupils will see changes in their curriculum as well. Primary 1-3 pupils will now take between 9 and 10 subjects, while Primary 4-6 pupils will be required to take 10 to 12 subjects. Junior Secondary School students will take 12 to 14 subjects, and Senior Secondary School students will take 8 to 9 subjects.

The secondary school curriculum has remained static since 2011, but the announcement of this change has sparked excitement and anticipation. The revised curricula aim to reduce overload and create more learning time, with a focus on improving content for deeper learning.

However, the Nigeria Union of Teachers has dismissed the plan, stating that the real problem is poor funding, not the structure. NUT President Audu Amba stressed that without adequate financing, issues like poor infrastructure, lack of materials, and frequent strikes will persist.

The Federal Government has completed a comprehensive review of the national curriculum for basic, senior secondary, and technical education. The review was carried out in collaboration with key agencies, including the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

In January 2025, the government updated the basic education curriculum by introducing 15 new trades. This move is part of the government's efforts to equip students with practical skills that will aid them in the job market upon graduation.

The Minister of Education is responsible for the proposal to shift from the traditional 9-3-4 system to a 12-year basic education model. The Federal Ministry of Education commends all stakeholders for their commitment and teamwork in the review process. The new curriculum is set to be implemented to guarantee effective adoption and a smooth transition in schools.