FG clarifies subject selection under new Senior Secondary curriculum

The Federal Ministry of Education has issued an official clarification to address growing concerns from students, parents, school owners and administrators regarding subject selection under the revised Senior Secondary School Curriculum. The clarification follows a surge in public enquiries and widespread misinformation circulating online.

In the press release signed by the Ministry’s Office of the Director of Press and Public Relations, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Sa’id Swaiba Ahmad, emphasized that there is no restriction or exclusion on the selection of any approved subject within the Senior Secondary School Curriculum. According to the Ministers, all subjects remain fully open for students to choose, provided their decisions are properly guided by the school authority, parents, or certified counsellors.

The Ministry explained that science students may select subjects traditionally grouped under arts or social sciences, and vice versa, noting that the curriculum is intentionally designed to be flexible, student-centered, and supportive of diverse academic interests and career pathways.

The Ministers also clarified issues around the subject formerly known as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), confirming that it has now been renamed Digital Technology. They stressed that the change is only in nomenclature and does not affect the curriculum content. Any student who previously offered ICT remains fully eligible to select Digital Technology during registration and examinations, including WAEC.

Regarding Trade Subjects, the Ministry revealed that six approved trade options exist under the curriculum. Students may register for any of these trades if their schools offer them and they have been taught the subject. However, where a school does not provide any of the six trade subjects, the student is not required to register for a trade subject as a third option.

The Ministry reassured the public that WAEC registration is ongoing and encouraged schools to properly guide students in making their subject choices aligned with their academic strengths and future ambitions.