For students preparing for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), there’s big news you need to understand.
The Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) have introduced a new curriculum aimed at helping Nigerian students become more skilled in technology and entrepreneurship.
However, the sudden talk that these changes might affect current SS3 students has caused confusion and fear in many schools.
Below is a breakdown of what’s new, the government’s and WACE official statements.
New Subjects Added
Under the new WAEC curriculum, students will now take between seven and nine subjects designed to build both academic and practical skills.
Core subjects include:
•English Language
•General Mathematics
•Digital Technologies: A new subject focused on essential computer skills, basic coding, data handling, and online safety.
•Citizenship and Heritage Studies: A revamped version of Civic Education that emphasizes Nigerian history, cultural values, and civic responsibilities.
•One Trade Subject (Mandatory): Every student must choose at least one practical skill area from options such as Livestock Farming, Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs, Beauty and Cosmetology, Fashion Design and Garment Making, Horticulture and Crop Production, or Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Maintenance.
The updated system shifts learning away from theory toward hands-on, job-ready skills to better prepare students for life after school, entrepreneurship, or further education.
For Science Students
Science students can still take subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. But the new system gives them more freedom to add other subjects that were not allowed before.
They can now take subjects like Economics or Geography along with their science subjects.
The new trade subjects, like Solar Installation and Computer Hardware Repairs, are also very useful for engineering and technology careers.
Digital Technologies will help science students prepare for future courses in data science, software development, and other tech fields.
For Commercial Students
Commercial students will still study subjects like Financial Accounting, Commerce, and Economics.
However, the focus is now on entrepreneurship and digital business skills.
Some schools have replaced Government with Marketing to match the new business-focused system.
Digital Technologies will also help students who want to go into e-commerce, fintech, and online business.
They can also choose a science subject, such as Geography if it fits their future plans.
For Arts Students
Arts students, now often called Humanities students, will continue with Literature in English, Government, and Christian or Islamic Religious Studies.
One major change is the return of History as a full subject.
They also have more freedom to include subjects like Economics or Geography, allowing them to prepare for courses such as Law, International Relations, or Journalism.
Reactions from Parents, Students, and Teachers
Some schools announced that the new subjects might apply to current SS3 students writing the 2026 WASSCE, and many people panicked.
Parents were upset that their children were being asked to register for subjects they had never been taught. For example, students who had studied Government since SS1 were told to register for Marketing instead.
Teachers also complained that they have not been trained or given new textbooks to teach the new subjects.
The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) called the situation “chaos” and asked the government to delay the new curriculum for SS2 and SS3 students.
Government’s Response
The Federal Ministry of Education said the new curriculum is meant to start gradually, beginning with SS1 students in the 2025/2026 school year.
The Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said WAEC is in charge of implementing the exam changes, but this response led to confusion as both sides seemed to pass the blame.
WAEC’s Response
WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, explained that WAEC does not make curriculum changes—it only tests whatever the government provides.
She also said WAEC is planning a hybrid Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the 2026 exams, where objective questions will be done on a computer and essay or practical papers will still be on paper.
Importantly, recent reports show that the full new curriculum may be delayed until 2028 for students already in SS3.
What next
Students preparing for the 2026 WASSCE are advised to focus on the subjects they have been studying since SS1, as the full implementation of the new curriculum may be postponed until 2028.
This means current SS3 students are expected to take exams based on the familiar syllabus.
Education experts are urging students to concentrate on core subjects like English Language and General Mathematics, while continuing with their Science, Commercial, or Arts subjects.
Students are also encouraged to practice using computers, as WAEC plans to include computer-based questions in the exam.
Schools have been advised to clarify subject registration lists for their students to avoid confusion.
Students and parents are further advised to rely only on official information published on the WAEC website and to disregard unverified messages.
The focus remains on helping students stay prepared and confident as they approach the examination.
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