Scheme of Work

Why Nigeria Is Currently Using Both the Old and New Curriculum

If you’ve noticed that some classes are using the new 2025 NERDC curriculum while others are still on the old one, you’re not alone. Many parents, teachers, and school owners have asked the same question.

The simple truth is this: Nigeria is meant to run both curricula at the same time—for now.

This is not a mistake, and it does not mean schools are confused or doing the wrong thing. It is part of a planned transition by the Federal Government and NERDC.

It All Comes Down to How the School System Is Structured

Nigeria’s education system runs in 3-year blocks, not year by year. These blocks are:

• Primary 1–3
• Primary 4–6
• JSS 1–3
• SS 1–3

Because of this structure, changing a curriculum in the middle of a block would disrupt learning and examinations. So instead of switching everyone at once, the new curriculum is introduced only when pupils enter the first class of a new block.

That is why some classes are on the new curriculum while others continue with the old one.

What This Looks Like in Real Life

In the 2025/2026 session and beyond:

• Pupils entering Primary 1 and Primary 4 start the new curriculum
• Students entering JSS 1 start the new curriculum
• Students entering SS 1 start the new curriculum

However:

• Pupils already in Primary 2, 3, 5, or 6
• Students already in JSS 2 or JSS 3
• Students already in SS 2 or SS 3

will continue with the old curriculum until they complete their current level.

This overlap will continue for a few years, until the last group of students using the old curriculum graduate.

Why This Approach Makes Sense

Running both curricula side by side helps to:

• Avoid confusion in WAEC, NECO, and BECE exams
• Prevent students from learning half a syllabus
• Give teachers time to adjust and receive training
• Ensure students are assessed fairly
• Allow schools to transition smoothly without pressure

In short, it protects both students and schools.