Education Ministry Clarifies WASSCE Subject Selection Under New Curriculum
By Alice Etuka, Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Education has issued comprehensive guidance to address widespread enquiries from students, parents, school proprietors and administrators regarding subject selection under the revised Senior Secondary School Curriculum.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo on Saturday, the clarification was in response to numerous calls, letters and public concerns arising from misinterpretations circulating across various platforms.
Boriowo said both the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, explained that there was no restriction or exclusion attached to the selection of any approved subject within the Senior Secondary School Curriculum. They emphasized that all subjects remain fully open for students to choose from, provided such choices were properly guided by the school authority, parents or a certified school counsellor.
They further noted that a science student may select subjects classified under the social sciences or arts, while students in the arts and social sciences may also choose subjects traditionally grouped under the sciences. According to them, the curriculum is designed to be flexible, student centred and supportive of diverse academic interests and career pathways.
The Ministers also clarified issues relating to the subject formerly known as Information and Communication Technology. They stated that the subject has now been renamed Digital Technology, stressing that the change is purely in nomenclature and does not alter the curriculum content. Students who previously offered Information and Communication Technology are therefore fully eligible to sit for Digital Technology during registration and examinations.
On the matter of Trade Subjects, the Ministry explained that six trade subjects have been identified and approved under the curriculum. A student may register for any of these subjects if the school offers them and the student has been taught the subject. However, where a student has not been exposed to or offered any of the six trade subjects, there is no obligation for such a student to register for any trade subject as a third subject.
The Ministry reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth, inclusive and well guided implementation of the revised Senior Secondary School Curriculum nationwide. It urged all stakeholders including parents, school proprietors, counsellors and examination bodies to rely on verified information and provide appropriate guidance to students as WAEC registration progresses.
It also said it would continue to champion seamless, accurate and well coordinated registration processes across the country.
