… Primary Pupils To Learn Digital Literacy From Age Six
… Fact-checking, Digital Literacy Now Core Subjects In Nigeria
… Trade Skills Like Solar Installation, Fashion Design Also Included
Daud Olatunji
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has introduced sweeping changes to the country’s basic and secondary school curriculum, making Artificial Intelligence (AI), journalism, fact-checking, and digital literacy core subjects from the 2025/2026 academic session.
The Council said the reforms are designed to prepare Nigerian children for the digital economy while reducing over-reliance on rote learning. Trade skills such as solar installation, fashion design, livestock farming, and computer/GSM repairs are also now included.
In a communique signed by its Executive Secretary, Prof. Salisu Shehu, the Council warned parents, teachers, and education stakeholders to disregard earlier leaked drafts of the curriculum which had gone viral on social media.
According to him, the official version now released is the only authentic guide to what pupils and students will learn from the 2025/2026 academic session.
“The proliferation of unauthorised subject lists has created confusion in the public space. This release puts an end to speculation. We are committed to equipping Nigerian children with the tools needed to thrive in a fast-changing world,” Shehu said.
A recent report by Statista shows that over 75% of Nigerians encountered fake news online in 2024, highlighting the need for critical media literacy.
NERDC said the rollout would be gradual, starting with entry classes at each three-year cycle (Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS1, and SS1). Nationwide teacher training workshops and sensitisation campaigns are planned to bridge capacity gaps.
The Full Subject Breakdown
Primary 1–3: English, Maths, Nigerian Languages, Basic Science, History, Citizenship Studies, Creative Arts, PHE, CRS/IS, Arabic (optional).
Primary 4–6: Adds Basic Digital Literacy and Pre-vocational studies.
JSS 1–3: Introduces Digital Technologies and trade options.
SS 1–3: Compulsory core includes English, Maths, Digital Technologies, Citizenship, one trade subject, with wide options in Science, Humanities, and Business.
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