FG Clarifies Subject Selection Under New Senior Secondary Curriculum: No Restrictions on Cross-Discipline Choices

The Federal Ministry of Education has issued official clarifications addressing concerns from students and parents about subject selection under the revised Senior Secondary School Curriculum as WAEC registration continues.

Key Clarifications from Federal Government

1. No Subject Restrictions

The Ministry confirmed that "there is no restriction or exclusion on the selection of any approved subject" within the new curriculum.

• Science students can select arts or social science subjects
• Arts students can choose science subjects
• Social science students can select from any approved subjects
• The curriculum is designed to be flexible and student-centered

2. ICT Renamed to Digital Technology

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been officially renamed Digital Technology.

• This is a name change only - curriculum content remains the same
• Students who previously studied ICT remain eligible to register for Digital Technology
• No content or requirement changes - purely nominal update

3. Trade Subjects Are Optional (Not Mandatory)

Six approved trade options exist under the new curriculum:

• Students may register for any trade subject if their school offers it
• Trade subjects require that instruction has been provided
• Important: Schools without trade subject offerings are NOT required to force students to register for a trade
• Trade subjects are only for schools that offer them

Subject Selection Philosophy

The new curriculum is intentionally designed to:

• Support diverse academic interests and career paths
• Allow flexibility in subject combinations
• Enable students to explore multiple disciplines
• Accommodate different learning styles and strengths
• Prepare students for interdisciplinary careers

Guidance for Subject Selection

The Ministry emphasizes that subject choices should be:

• Properly guided by school authorities
• Discussed with parents or guardians
• Informed by certified counsellors where available
• Aligned with students' academic strengths
• Based on career aspirations and university course requirements

WAEC Registration Status

WAEC registration is currently ongoing. Schools are encouraged to:

• Properly guide students through the subject selection process
• Explain the flexibility available in the new curriculum
• Ensure students understand their options
• Help students make informed choices based on their goals

What This Means for Students

If you're registering for WAEC under the new curriculum:

• You can choose subjects across different disciplines
• Science students can take arts subjects (and vice versa)
• ICT is now called Digital Technology (same content)
• Trade subjects are only required if your school offers them
• Work with your school counselor to choose wisely

Example Subject Combinations Now Allowed

• Physics, Chemistry, Biology + Literature in English (Science + Arts)
• Economics, Government, Literature + Mathematics (Arts/Social Science + Science)
• Biology, Agricultural Science + Economics (Science + Social Science)

Important Reminders

• Check university course requirements when selecting subjects
• Some professional courses still require specific subject combinations
• Consult with school counselors about your career goals
• Choose subjects that align with your strengths and interests
• Ensure your school offers the subjects you select

For School Administrators

Schools should:

• Inform students and parents about the flexibility in subject selection
• Provide proper guidance during WAEC registration
• Not impose unnecessary restrictions on subject choices
• Only register students for trade subjects if instruction has been provided