🎓 Secondary School Curriculum Overview
The new Nigerian secondary school curriculum for 2025/2026 introduces mandatory vocational training alongside traditional academic subjects, creating a pathway to employable graduates.
The Big Change: Mandatory Vocational Training
Every JSS student must choose one trade subject. Every SS student continues with that trade as a core subject. This is mandatory for all students - a direct move to create employable graduates with practical skills alongside academic work.
📖 Junior Secondary School (JSS 1-3)
JSS Structure: 12-14 Subjects Total
Core Subjects (10) + 1 Mandatory Trade Subject + 1-3 Optional Subjects
Core Subjects (All Students)
- English Studies
- Mathematics
- Nigerian Languages (One Nigerian Language)
- Intermediate Science
- Physical & Health Education
- Digital Technologies
- Christian Religious Studies (CRS) - For Christian Pupils Only
- Islamic Studies (IS) - For Muslim Pupils Only
- Nigerian History
- Social and Citizenship Studies
- Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA)
Trade Subjects (MANDATORY)
Students must choose ONE trade subject:
- Solar Photovoltaic Installation & Maintenance
- Fashion Design & Garment Making
- Livestock Farming
- Beauty & Cosmetology
- Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs
- Horticulture & Crop Production
Optional Subjects
- Business Studies
- French (Optional)
- Arabic Language (Optional)
🎓 Senior Secondary School (SSS 1-3)
SSS Structure: 5 Core + Specialization + Trade Subject
All students take 5 core subjects, then specialize in Science, Humanities, or Business. Trade subject remains compulsory for everyone.
5 Core and Compulsory Subjects (All Students)
- English Language
- General Mathematics
- One Trade Subject (Mandatory - same as JSS choice)
- Citizenship and Heritage Studies
- Digital Technologies
One Core Trade Subject (MANDATORY)
Students continue with their JSS trade choice:
- Solar Photovoltaic Installation & Maintenance
- Fashion Design & Garment Making
- Livestock Farming
- Beauty & Cosmetology
- Computer Hardware & GSM Repairs
- Horticulture & Crop Production
Specialization Fields
Students choose one field and take subjects from that field:
Science Field
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Agriculture
- Further Mathematics
- Physical Education, Health Education
- Foods & Nutrition
- Geography
- Technical Drawing
Humanities Field
- Nigerian History, Government
- Christian Religious Studies, Islamic Studies
- One Nigerian Language, French, Arabic
- Visual Arts, Music
- Literature in English
- Home Management, Catering Craft
Business Field
- Accounting
- Commerce
- Marketing
- Economics
📥 Download Secondary School Scheme of Work
Get the official NERDC secondary school curriculum documents
📅 Implementation Timeline
January 2025
Pilot testing begins in selected secondary schools across Nigeria
March 2025
Teacher training programs commence nationwide, focusing on vocational skills
September 2025
Full implementation across all secondary schools in Nigeria
Related Resources
Official Sources
Prepare for the New Secondary School Curriculum
The new 2025/2026 secondary school curriculum is now officially released and ready for implementation. Access our comprehensive educational resources to support the transition to mandatory vocational training.