The Federal Government has confirmed that students registering for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) can choose subjects across science, arts, and social science streams under the revised Senior Secondary School Curriculum.
The Federal Ministry of Education issued the clarification on December 6, following widespread confusion among students, parents, and schools over possible subject restrictions.
The ministry said there are no exclusions on any approved subject as long as choices are guided by school authorities, parents, or certified counsellors. It stated that science students may select subjects from the arts or social sciences, and students in the arts or social sciences may take subjects traditionally grouped under the sciences. The revised curriculum is designed to be flexible and aligned with individual interests and career paths.
The ministry also confirmed that the subject formerly known as Information and Communication Technology has been renamed Digital Technology. The change affects only the name, not the curriculum content. Students previously taught ICT can register for Digital Technology in WAEC.
On trade subjects, the ministry said six courses have been approved. Students may register only if their schools offer the subjects and they have been taught them. Students who have not taken any trade subject are under no obligation to register for one.
The subject clarification follows the government’s August 2025 completion of a full review of the national curriculum for basic, senior secondary, and technical education. The review aimed to reduce overload, improve learning outcomes, and equip students with skills relevant to global standards. The process involved major education agencies, including NERDC, UBEC, NSSEC, and NBTE.
Under the updated curriculum, pupils in primary grades 1–3 will take 9 to 10 subjects, grades 4–6 will take 10 to 12, and junior secondary students will take 12 to 14. Senior secondary students will offer 8 to 9 subjects, while technical school students will take 9 to 11.
