Reps Urge FG to Reinstate Biology as Compulsory Subject

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to restore Biology as a compulsory subject for senior secondary school students, warning that its removal could undermine science education.

The lawmakers also called for the introduction of Spanish, German, Chinese and Russian into the national school curriculum to improve students’ language skills and prepare them for international engagements.

The House adopted the resolutions on Wednesday following a motion sponsored by Ibrahim Isiaka, who represents an Ogun State constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Isiaka moved the motion titled “Need to Review the Federal Ministry of Education’s Circular Issued by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council on the Approved Subjects for Basic and Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria”.

He drew attention to a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on September 8, 2025, which outlined approved subjects for basic and senior secondary education.

The lawmaker expressed concern that the revised curriculum no longer classified Biology as a compulsory subject at the senior secondary level.

He argued that the subject provides essential knowledge about humans, plants, animals and other living organisms, helping students understand their environment and the world around them.

“Biology provides essential knowledge about the human body, plants, animals and other living organisms, making it important to students’ education and their understanding of the environment,” Isiaka said.

He warned that removing Biology from the list of compulsory subjects could restrict students’ access to scientific knowledge needed in healthcare, agriculture and environmental protection.

“The House is concerned that the removal of Biology as a compulsory and core subject will cause significant harm to the education standard of our students in their capacity to acquire knowledge that is universally acknowledged and to benefit themselves, society and humanity at large,” he said.

Isiaka also highlighted the importance of biological research and scientific experiments to global scientific progress, including studies conducted aboard the International Space Station and missions to the Moon and Mars.

Consequently, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Education to review the revised curriculum and restore Biology as a core and compulsory subject for senior secondary school students.

The lawmakers also called for the inclusion of Spanish, German, Chinese and Russian in the curriculum to broaden students’ communication skills and strengthen Nigeria’s engagement with other countries.

They urged the ministry to establish appropriate teacher recruitment and training programmes to support the teaching of the proposed foreign languages at basic and senior secondary levels.

The House noted that expanding the pool of language teachers and interpreters would help address the shortage of professionals who facilitate communication during international engagements.

It also directed the Committees on Basic Education and Services, Alternative Education and Basic Examination Bodies to liaise with the ministry on implementing the resolutions.

The committees must report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.

Biology provides a foundation for students seeking further studies in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, agriculture and other biological sciences.

The Federal Government introduced the revised curriculum in 2025, with implementation beginning in the 2025/2026 academic year. Under the new arrangement, Biology remains an approved subject but no longer ranks among the compulsory core subjects for senior secondary school students.