The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to reinstate Biology as a core and compulsory subject for senior secondary school students, warning that its removal could weaken students’ scientific knowledge.
The lawmakers also want Spanish, German, Chinese and Russian introduced into Nigeria’s school curriculum to address the shortage of foreign language interpreters and boost the country’s international engagements.
The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka during Wednesday’s plenary, seeking a review of the Federal Ministry of Education’s September 8, 2025, circular on approved subjects for basic and senior secondary education.
Moving the motion, Isiaka expressed concern over the removal of Biology from the list of core and compulsory subjects under the revised senior secondary school curriculum.
He argued that Biology remained essential to understanding the human body, plants and other living organisms, stressing that the subject had long been a major component of secondary education in Nigeria.
The lawmaker maintained that biological knowledge was increasingly important in a world driven by scientific research, technological advancement and space exploration.
He warned that dropping Biology as a compulsory subject could undermine efforts to equip students with the scientific knowledge needed to understand human life and the environment.
The House also highlighted Nigeria’s expanding economic, scientific, technological and geopolitical relations with other countries, arguing that the existing language options in schools should be broadened.
According to the lawmakers, introducing Spanish, German, Chinese and Russian would help develop a pool of qualified interpreters and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign language services.
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.
It also asked the ministry to develop plans for recruiting and training qualified teachers to teach the proposed foreign languages in basic and senior secondary schools.
The House mandated its relevant committees on education and examination bodies to engage with the ministry to ensure the resolutions were implemented.
The committees were directed to report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.
Don’t Miss Out! Join our WhatsApp Channel for instant news updates. Click here to join
