The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to restore Biology as a core and compulsory subject in senior secondary schools across Nigeria.
The lawmakers warned that removing the subject from the compulsory list could weaken students’ scientific knowledge and understanding of living organisms.
The House also called for the introduction of Spanish, German, Chinese and Russian into the school curriculum. It said the move would help address Nigeria’s shortage of interpreters and improve the country’s ability to participate in international affairs.
The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka. He asked the House to review a Federal Ministry of Education circular dated September 8, 2025, which outlined approved subjects for basic and senior secondary education.
Reps Raise Concern Over Biology Curriculum
While presenting the motion, Isiaka expressed concern over the removal of Biology from the list of core and compulsory subjects under the revised senior secondary curriculum.
He described Biology as essential to understanding the human body, plants and other living organisms.
The lawmaker noted that Nigerian secondary schools had traditionally treated Biology as a compulsory subject. He said it provides students with scientific knowledge that applies to human life and the environment.
Isiaka also pointed to the growing importance of biological and scientific research around the world. He cited developments in space exploration, including missions to the Moon and Mars, as examples of the increasing relevance of science.
He argued that removing Biology from the compulsory list would be a setback at a time when scientific and technological knowledge continues to shape global development.
House Seeks Introduction of Four Foreign Languages
Beyond the Biology curriculum, the lawmakers called on the Ministry of Education to expand language education in Nigerian schools.
The House said the country’s growing international, economic, scientific, technological and geopolitical engagements require more people with foreign-language skills.
It identified Spanish, German, Chinese and Russian as languages that should become part of the school curriculum.
According to the lawmakers, introducing these languages would help Nigeria develop a pool of qualified interpreters and reduce its reliance on foreign language services.
The House therefore 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.
It also asked the ministry to prepare plans for recruiting and training qualified teachers to teach the proposed foreign languages in basic and senior secondary schools.
Reps Give Committees Four Weeks to Report
To ensure implementation, the House mandated its Committees on Basic Education and Services, Alternative Education, and Basic Examination Bodies to engage with the Ministry of Education.
The committees must assess the ministry’s response to the resolutions and report back to the House within four weeks.
Their findings will guide further legislative action on the proposed changes to the school curriculum.
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