Nigerian Curriculum by Subject: How Each Subject Is Organized

The NERDC curriculum covers 28 subjects, but not all subjects are organized the same way. Some are cumulative, where each year builds directly on the previous year. Others are modular, where topics within a term are relatively independent. Subject Categories The 28 subjects fall into several categories. Core Academic Subjects (Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics) are cumulative. Integrated Subjects (Basic Science, Basic Technology, Social Studies) combine multiple disciplines. Language and Literature subjects have their own patterns. Creative and Practical Subjects emphasize hands-on skills. Commercial and Technical Subjects focus on applied knowledge. How Subjects Differ Mathematics follows a strict cumulative structure. You cannot teach quadratic equations before linear equations. Social Studies is more modular within each term. Understanding this difference matters for pacing. Term-by-Term Organization Each subject at each level is divided into three terms. First term topics are typically foundational. Second term topics build on first term content. Third term topics consolidate and extend the year learning. How This Affects Resource Creation The organizational pattern of your subject directly affects how you create resources. For cumulative subjects, your scheme of work must reference prerequisite topics. For modular subjects, you have more flexibility. For skill-based subjects, include practical components alongside theoretical content.