Federal Government Unveils New National Curriculum: “Lighter Load/ Stronger Minds”; The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched a comprehensive reform of the national curriculum under the initiative titled “Lighter Load, Stronger Minds.” This policy marks a bold step in reshaping Nigeria’s education system to be more efficient, skill-driven, and globally competitive.
The initiative, led by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Marut Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, represents a major shift in Nigeria’s educational philosophy.
Background and Development
The new curriculum was designed after extensive consultations with stakeholders such as NERDC, WAEC, NECO, NBTE, and NABTEB. It is built on three guiding principles:
- Reducing subject overload.
- Promoting practical skill acquisition.
- Aligning Nigerian education with international best practices.
This reform directly addresses long-standing concerns about the “breadth-over-depth” approach in schools.
Core Objectives
The major goals of the curriculum include:
- Reducing the number of compulsory subjects to allow deeper learning.
- Integrating vocational and market-relevant skills at the junior secondary level.
- Reinforcing the teaching of Nigerian history and civic values.
- Streamlining subjects for efficiency and global competitiveness.
Key Highlights of the New Curriculum
1. Reduction in Subject Load
The most noticeable change is the significant cut in the number of subjects across all levels:
- Primary 1–3: 9–10 subjects (reduced from 13–15).
- Primary 4–6: 11–13 subjects (reduced from 15–17).
- JSS 1–3: 12–14 subjects (reduced from 15–18).
- SSS 1–3: 8–9 subjects (reduced from 15–20).
2. Introduction of Vocational Trade Subjects
Students in Junior Secondary School will now select at least one practical skill to study. Options include:
- Solar Photovoltaic Installation & Maintenance
- Fashion Design & Garment Making
- Livestock Farming
- Beauty & Cosmetology
- Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs
- Horticulture & Crop Production
3. Emphasis on National Identity
- Nigerian History is now compulsory from Primary 1 to JSS 3.
- Students will learn one Nigerian language (Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba).
- At the senior secondary level, a new subject, Citizenship and Heritage Studies (CHS), will be introduced.
Updated Subject Lists
Primary 1–3
- English Studies
- Mathematics
- Nigerian Language (Hausa, Yoruba, or Igbo)
- Basic Science
- Physical & Health Education
- CRS or IS
- Nigerian History
- Social & Citizenship Studies
- Cultural & Creative Arts
- Arabic Language (optional)
Primary 4–6
- English Studies
- Mathematics
- Nigerian Language (choose one)
- Basic Science & Technology
- Physical & Health Education
- Basic Digital Literacy
- CRS or IS
- Nigerian History
- Social & Citizenship Studies
- Cultural & Creative Arts
- Pre-vocational Studies
- French (optional)
- Arabic Language (optional)
Junior Secondary School (JSS 1–3)
- English Studies
- Mathematics
- Nigerian Language (choose one)
- Intermediate Science
- Physical & Health Education
- Digital Technologies
- CRS or IS
- Nigerian History
- Social & Citizenship Studies
- Cultural & Creative Arts
- Trade Subject (choose one from the six listed above)
- French (optional)
- Arabic Language (optional)
Conclusion
The “Lighter Load, Stronger Minds” curriculum is a landmark reform aimed at making education in Nigeria more practical, skill-oriented, and identity-focused. By easing subject overload and introducing hands-on trade skills, the Federal Government is preparing students to compete successfully on both national and global stages.
