Secondary school education in Nigeria is structured to provide foundational and specialized knowledge that prepares students for higher education, vocational training, or the workforce. To ensure a balanced and comprehensive learning experience, the Federal Ministry of Education, through the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), has outlined a list of compulsory and essential subjects for both junior and senior secondary schools.
This guide outlines the full list of subjects that are required at each level of secondary school in Nigeria, categorized into core and elective subjects.
Structure of Nigerian Secondary Education
Nigerian secondary education is divided into two main levels:
- Junior Secondary School (JSS 1–3) – Ages 11 to 14
- Senior Secondary School (SSS 1–3) – Ages 15 to 17+
Compulsory and Essential Subjects for Junior Secondary School (JSS 1–3)
Core/Compulsory Subjects
Students in JSS are required to take the following compulsory subjects:
- English Studies (English Language)
- Mathematics
- Basic Science and Technology (BST)
- Basic Science
- Basic Technology
- Physical and Health Education
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Social Studies
- Civic Education
- Religious and National Values (RNV)
- Christian Religious Studies or Islamic Religious Studies
- Security Education
- Social Norms and Values
- Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA)
- Music, Fine Arts, Drama
- Pre-Vocational Studies
- Home Economics
- Agriculture
- Nigerian Language (Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, or other local language depending on the region)
- French Language (Optional but encouraged)
- Business Studies
Key Features:
- Minimum of 10–13 subjects are taken by each student.
- Continuous assessment is part of their evaluation.
- Completion leads to the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Compulsory and Essential Subjects for Senior Secondary School (SSS 1–3)
At the senior secondary level, students are placed into three major groups:
- Science and Technology
- Humanities and Arts
- Commercial and Business Studies
Despite these specializations, there are core compulsory subjects all students must take, regardless of their track.
Core Compulsory Subjects (For All Students)
- English Language
- Mathematics
- One Nigerian Language (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or mother tongue)
- Civic Education
- One Trade/Entrepreneurship Subject
Elective Subjects (Grouped by Field)
A. Science and Technology Group
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Further Mathematics
- Agricultural Science
- Technical Drawing
- Computer Studies
- Geography
B. Humanities and Arts Group
- Literature-in-English
- Government
- History
- CRS/IRS
- Visual Arts
- Music
- French
- Arabic
C. Commercial/Business Studies Group
- Economics
- Commerce
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Office Practice
- Insurance
- Store Management
Trade/Entrepreneurship Subjects (Students Must Choose One)
These are meant to prepare students with vocational skills:
- Catering and Craft Practice
- Electrical Installation
- Auto Mechanics
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Plumbing and Pipe Fitting
- Garment Making
- Furniture Making
- Hair Dressing and Beauty Therapy
- Animal Husbandry
- Photography
- GSM Maintenance
- Welding and Fabrication
Assessment & Certification
- Students take the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and/or NECO SSCE at the end of SS3.
- Each student must sit for a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 9 subjects, including all core subjects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many subjects are compulsory in secondary schools in Nigeria?
A: In junior secondary, there are 10–13 compulsory subjects. In senior secondary, at least 5 core subjects are mandatory, and students must select electives based on their specialization.
Q2: Is Civic Education compulsory in all secondary schools?
A: Yes, Civic Education is compulsory in both junior and senior secondary school.
Q3: Are vocational subjects compulsory?
A: Yes. Students in senior secondary must choose at least one entrepreneurship or trade subject.
Q4: Can students combine subjects from different fields (science, arts, commercial)?
A: Yes, depending on the school's timetable and the student’s career path. However, students are encouraged to focus on a specific field for better specialization.
Q5: Is French compulsory in secondary schools?
A: French is optional but encouraged, especially in junior secondary school.
Q6: Are ICT and Computer Studies compulsory?
A: Yes, at the junior level under Basic Science and Technology. At senior level, it becomes an elective depending on the student’s chosen field.
Q7: What certificate do students receive after junior secondary school?
A: Students receive the Basic Education Certificate (BEC) after passing the BECE exams.
Q8: What is the minimum number of subjects for WAEC/NECO?
A: A minimum of 7 and a maximum of 9 subjects are allowed in WAEC/NECO SSCE.
Q9: Are private schools allowed to add more subjects?
A: Yes. Private schools may include extra subjects such as Robotics, Chinese Language, or Coding, as long as they also offer the national curriculum.
Q10: Who regulates the Nigerian secondary school curriculum?
A: The NERDC (Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education.
Conclusion
The Nigerian secondary school curriculum is carefully structured to build well-rounded students who are intellectually, socially, and vocationally prepared for the future. By understanding the compulsory and essential subjects, students, parents, and educators can better plan for success in both academic and career pursuits.
Whether you’re a junior or senior student, focusing on the core areas while leveraging elective opportunities ensures you're on the right path toward academic and professional excellence.
