The [House of Representatives](https://www.nass.gov.ng/house-of- representatives) on Wednesday pressed the Federal Government to restore Biology as a core, compulsory subject for senior secondary students, while also urging the introduction of Spanish, German, Chinese and Russian into the national curriculum. The move aims to safeguard scientific literacy and build a pool of trained interpreters for Nigeria’s expanding global engagements.
What prompted the motion?
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, which called for a review of the Federal Ministry of Education’s September 8, 2025 circular that listed approved subjects for basic and senior secondary education. Isiaka highlighted that Biology, defined as the study of living organisms, had been removed from the list of core subjects under the revised senior secondary curriculum.
Why is Biology considered essential?
According to the lawmaker, Biology provides foundational knowledge about the human body, plants and other organisms, and has traditionally been mandatory in Nigerian secondary schools. He noted that biological research underpins many global scientific endeavors, including space missions to the Moon and Mars, and argued that dropping the subject would be “counter‑productive at a time when scientific and technological knowledge is increasingly important.”
What language gaps is the House seeking to fill?
The House observed that Nigeria’s growing participation in international trade, diplomacy and technology requires a broader language base beyond the current offerings. Introducing Spanish, German, Chinese and Russian, it argued, would develop a cadre of qualified interpreters and reduce reliance on foreign language services.
What actions were directed to the Ministry?
The resolution instructed the Federal Ministry of Education to:
- Review the revised curriculum and reinstate Biology as a compulsory senior secondary subject.
- Formulate strategies for recruiting and training teachers capable of delivering the proposed foreign language programmes at both basic and senior secondary levels.
How will the House ensure implementation?
The Committees on Basic Education and Services, Alternative Education, and Basic Examination Bodies were mandated to engage with the Ministry and report back within four weeks, enabling further legislative follow‑up.
Key details:
- Motion sponsor: Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka.
- Date of Ministry circular under review: 8 September 2025.
- Languages proposed: Spanish, German, Chinese, Russian.
- Expected reporting deadline for committees: four weeks from the motion’s adoption.
- Quote from Hon. Isiaka: “Removing Biology as a compulsory subject would be counter‑productive at a time when scientific and technological knowledge is increasingly important.”
The House’s appeal reflects a broader push to align Nigeria’s education system with the scientific and diplomatic demands of the 21st century, ensuring students acquire both the scientific grounding and linguistic tools needed for future challenges.