Searching for the New Nigerian Primary School Curriculum for Primary 1–6? You’re in the right place.
Education in Nigeria is undergoing big changes. Recently, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has introduced a new curriculum for both lower and upper primary levels. The aim is to equip children with practical skills, moral values, creativity, and digital knowledge that will prepare them for life in the 21st century.
While Primary 1–3 focuses on building the foundation, Primary 4–6 goes deeper by adding more subjects and preparing pupils for transition into junior secondary school.
In this post, we’ll break down the subjects under the new Nigerian primary school curriculum for Primary 1–6, explain why they are important, and what parents and teachers should expect.
Check Also: Why Skills are Better than Education (10 Debate Points)
Subjects for the New Nigerian Primary School Curriculum for Primary 1–6
Let’s see from Primary 1–3
At this stage, the focus is on strong foundations in language, numbers, values, creativity, and digital skills.
1. English Language
Children learn to read, spell, and write short sentences. For example, a Primary 2 child may read the story of The Tortoise and the Hare and retell it in their own words.
2. Mathematics
Pupils move from counting to addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and telling time. Teachers often use real-life examples, like sharing mangoes, to teach fractions.
3. Basic Science and Technology (BST)
Children learn about plants, animals, the environment, and simple machines. They may plant beans in a cup to watch it grow.
4. Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA)
This subject includes singing, drawing, dancing, and crafts. For instance, pupils may make paper masks or sing traditional songs.
5. Religion and National Values (RNV)
This is a combination of Religious Studies, Civic Education, and Social Studies. Pupils learn honesty, kindness, respect, and patriotism through stories and role-play.
6. Nigerian Language
Children are introduced to one Nigerian language such as Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa. They may practice greetings like “Ndeewo” (Igbo) or “Ẹ káàsán” (Yoruba), or “Sanu” (Hausa).
7. Basic Digital Literacy
Children learn the parts of a computer, how to turn it on, and simple typing. Some schools introduce educational apps and games.
8. Pre-Vocational Studies
This covers gardening, cooking, and crafts. Pupils may plant vegetables or fold clothes as part of life skills training.
Subjects for New Nigerian Primary School Curriculum for Primary 1–6
Here are the main subjects taught from Primary 4 to Primary 6:
1. English Language
Pupils improve reading, writing, comprehension, and grammar. Focus is on fluency, essay writing, and critical thinking.
2. Mathematics
Math becomes more advanced, covering fractions, decimals, percentages, geometry, and algebra. Pupils may calculate change at the market or solve word problems.
3. Basic Science and Technology (BST)
Children are introduced to experiments, health education, energy, and ICT. For example, they may learn how a bulb lights up in a simple circuit.
4. Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA)
Pupils explore drawing, drama, music, and crafts. They may perform short plays or learn to play the recorder.
5. Religion and National Values (RNV)
A combination of Religious Studies, Civic Education, and Social Studies. Pupils are taught honesty, respect, and good citizenship.
6. Nigerian Language
Children learn to read simple poems, stories, and proverbs in a Nigerian language. Example: “Aku ruo ulo, amara onye kpara ya” (Igbo proverb meaning “When wealth gets home, we know who worked for it”).
7. Pre-Vocational Studies
This includes Home Economics, Agriculture, and entrepreneurship. Pupils may cook simple meals, farm, or make crafts like bead necklaces.
8. Basic Digital Literacy
Children learn typing, safe browsing, and coding basics. Some schools teach PowerPoint presentations.
9. Physical and Health Education (PHE)
This focuses on sports, hygiene, first aid, diseases, and nutrition. Pupils participate in football, athletics, and basic health lessons.
Why This New Nigerian primary school Curriculum for Primary 1–6 Matters
- Skill Development – Pupils gain hands-on skills in ICT, vocational studies, and creativity.
- Cultural Awareness – Nigerian languages and arts help preserve cultural identity.
- Moral Training – RNV builds responsible citizens with strong values.
- Future Readiness – Digital literacy prepares children for a tech-driven world.
- Balanced Education – It combines academics, creativity, morals, and fitness.
Read Also: Why Education is Better than Skills(10 Debate Points)
FAQs for Nigerian primary school curriculum for Primary 1–6
Q1. What subjects are taught in Primary 1–3 under the new Nigerian curriculum?
English, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology, Cultural and Creative Arts, Religion and National Values, Nigerian Language, Basic Digital Literacy, and Pre-Vocational Studies.
Q2. What subjects are taught in Primary 4–6?
English, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology, Cultural and Creative Arts, Religion and National Values, Nigerian Language, Pre-Vocational Studies, Basic Digital Literacy, and Physical and Health Education.
Q3. Why was this curriculum introduced?
To make learning practical, skill-based, and aligned with modern global needs.
Q4. Are Nigerian languages compulsory?
Yes, all pupils must learn at least one Nigerian language (Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa).
Q5. Do private schools follow this curriculum?
Yes, though many private schools add subjects like French or advanced ICT.
Final Thoughts
The new Nigerian primary school curriculum for Primary 1–6 is designed to go beyond academics. It helps children think, create, solve problems, respect values, and use technology wisely.
For parents, it means your child will learn more than just reading and writing, they’ll gain skills for life and the future. For teachers, it calls for interactive, activity-based teaching methods.
Education in Nigeria is becoming more modern, skill-based, and child-centered, and this curriculum is a step in the right direction.
Hope you find this helpful.
Pleas don’t forget to share this post with your family and friends.
