Reps Seek Return of Biology as Compulsory Subject in Senior Secondary Schools
The House of Representatives has reportedly urged the Federal Ministry of Education to restore Biology as a core and compulsory subject in senior secondary schools following its removal from the list of compulsory subjects under Nigeria’s revised school curriculum.
The lawmakers also called for the introduction of Spanish, German, Chinese and Russian into the school curriculum, citing the potential benefits of foreign-language education for Nigeria’s scientific, economic and diplomatic engagements.
The resolutions reportedly followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Ibrahim Isiaka, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker from Ogun State, during Wednesday’s plenary session.
The motion sought a review of the approved subjects for basic and senior secondary education following concerns about changes introduced under the revised curriculum.
Under the new senior secondary curriculum published by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), students are required to study five core and compulsory subjects: English Language, General Mathematics, one trade subject, Citizenship and Heritage Studies, and Digital Technologies.
Biology is listed among the subjects available under the science category rather than among the five compulsory subjects.
Why lawmakers want Biology restored
According to the account of the motion, Isiaka argued that Biology provides essential knowledge about the human body, plants, animals and other living organisms.
He reportedly warned that removing the subject from the compulsory list could limit students’ access to scientific knowledge relevant to healthcare, agriculture, environmental protection and other fields.
Biology also provides foundational knowledge for students interested in pursuing further studies in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, agriculture and other biological sciences.
The reported motion therefore called on the Federal Ministry of Education to review the revised curriculum and reinstate Biology as a core and compulsory subject at the senior secondary level.
Push for foreign-language education
The lawmakers also reportedly called for Spanish, German, Chinese and Russian to be introduced into the school curriculum.
They argued that expanding foreign-language education could help develop a pool of professionals capable of supporting Nigeria’s international engagements and facilitating communication in diplomatic, scientific and economic settings.
The proposal also reportedly included arrangements for recruiting and training teachers who would teach the proposed languages at the basic and senior secondary levels.
