On 28 October 2026, the Nigerian House of Representatives passed a motion urging the Federal Ministry of Education to reinstate Biology as a core and compulsory subject in senior secondary schools. The motion, sponsored by Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, highlighted concerns that removing Biology from the compulsory curriculum could weaken students’ scientific foundation.
The call came in response to a 2025 curriculum overhaul announced by the Ministry of Education, aimed at reducing subject overload and promoting skill development. While Biology remained an approved subject, it was no longer mandatory under the revised senior secondary school syllabus issued in a circular on 8 September 2025.
“Biology provides essential knowledge about the human body, plants, animals and other living organisms, making it important to students’ education and their understanding of the environment,” said Hon. Isiaka during the House debate. The motion warned that sidelining Biology could undermine students’ scientific knowledge and adversely affect fields such as healthcare, agriculture and environmental management.
According to the Ministry’s 2025 curriculum review documents, the reform was designed to streamline learning and align Nigeria’s education system with international best practices. Honourable Minister of Education Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa stated the changes were intended to reduce subject overload while focusing on skill development.
The House of Representatives’ resolution has been independently verified by multiple Nigerian news outlets including Punch and Blueprint, confirming the official call to restore Biology as compulsory. However, as of now, there is no confirmation that the Federal Ministry of Education has implemented this change or reversed the 2025 curriculum overhaul.
The motion reflects ongoing debates about balancing curriculum breadth with depth in Nigerian secondary education. It underscores the importance policymakers place on Biology for equipping students with scientific literacy essential for national development challenges.
CapeFlats.co.za will continue to monitor developments on this education policy and report on any official responses or changes announced by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education.