… 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
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.
Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, confirmed the development in a statement, warning stakeholders to disregard fake curriculum lists that had circulated on social media.
> “The proliferation of unauthorised subject lists has created confusion. 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.
Under the revised structure, pupils in primary schools will start digital literacy lessons from age six. Junior secondary students (JSS 1–3) will take Digital Technologies alongside trade subjects, while senior secondary school students will study English, Mathematics, Digital Technologies, Citizenship Studies, and at least one trade subject.
Analysts say the introduction of journalism and fact-checking is timely, given Nigeria’s struggles with fake news and misinformation.
A 2024 report by Statista revealed that more than 75 percent of Nigerians encountered fake news online, making media literacy critical for young learners.
Although the curriculum has been widely welcomed, concerns remain over implementation. Many public schools across Nigeria lack electricity, internet access, and qualified teachers needed to deliver the new content.
Education activist, Aisha Abdullahi, warned: “you can’t teach AI in a classroom where children sit under trees. Without electricity, computers, and internet access, rural pupils will remain excluded from this digital revolution.”
NERDC explained that the new curriculum will be introduced gradually, starting with entry classes—Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS1, and SS1. Teacher training workshops and sensitisation campaigns are also being planned nationwide.
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