The Federal Ministry of Education has issued comprehensive guidance aimed at calming concerns and clarifying subject selection protocols under the recently revised Senior Secondary School Curriculum.
The clarification, released in a statement on Saturday by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, comes amid numerous enquiries and misinterpretations circulating across various platforms regarding perceived subject restrictions.
Curriculum is Flexible and Student-Centred
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, explained that there is absolutely no restriction or exclusion attached to the selection of any approved subject within the new curriculum.
The Minister emphasized that all subjects remain fully open for students to choose, provided such choices are properly guided by school authorities, parents, or certified school counselors.
The curriculum is designed to be flexible, student-centred, and supportive of diverse academic interests and career pathways. This means a science student might select subjects classified under the social sciences or arts, while students in the arts and social sciences might also choose subjects traditionally grouped under the sciences.
ICT Renamed Digital Technology
Dr. Alausa also provided clear guidance on changes in subject nomenclature. The subject formerly known as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been formally renamed Digital Technology.
He stressed that the change is purely in name and does not alter the curriculum content. Students who previously offered ICT are therefore fully eligible to sit for Digital Technology during registration and examinations.
Trade Subjects are Optional
Addressing concerns over mandatory vocational studies, the Minister confirmed that six trade subjects have been identified and approved under the curriculum.
However, Dr. Alausa clarified that students are not obligated to register for any trade subject as a third subject if the school does not offer them, or if the student has not been adequately exposed to or taught the subject. Registration for these trade subjects is permissible only if the school offers them and the student has been taught the curriculum.
The Ministry reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth, inclusive, and well-guided implementation of the revised curriculum nationwide.
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