In 2025, Nigeria’s education sector witnessed a wave of reforms, directives, and policy announcements that signalled the Federal Government’s intention to reset the system. From curriculum changes and digital examinations to university funding and labour disputes, the year was packed with developments that directly affected students, teachers, and institutions.
However, while the reforms were ambitious, many Nigerians are still asking what truly changed—and what remains unresolved.
Here is what you should know from our research and education policy desk.
1. A New Reform Agenda Took Centre Stage
The Federal Ministry of Education rolled out the National Education Sector Reform Initiative (NESRI), a broad framework designed to reposition the sector. Its focus areas include STEMM education, technical and vocational training (TVET), digitalisation, girl-child education, quality assurance, and reducing the number of out-of-school children.
While NESRI set a clear direction, many of its programmes were still at the planning or early implementation stage by the end of the year.
2. Curriculum Changes Returned Skills and History to Classrooms
One of the most visible reforms in 2025 was the revision of the basic education curriculum. History was reintroduced—now embedded as Civic and Heritage Studies—after years of absence.
In addition, students in junior secondary school are now required to study at least one trade or skill-based subject, such as fashion design, solar installation, livestock farming, or computer repairs. The aim is to make education more practical and employment-focused.
3. Big Shift Planned for National Examinations
The government announced plans for WAEC and NECO to fully adopt Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026. While officials insist the system will be inclusive, lawmakers and education stakeholders raised concerns about infrastructure gaps, electricity supply, internet access, and digital literacy—especially in rural areas.
These concerns were heightened by technical failures in both UTME and WASSCE in 2025, which affected hundreds of thousands of candidates.
4. University Expansion Was Put on Pause
In a significant move, the Federal Government placed a seven-year moratorium on the establishment of new public universities and temporarily halted the licensing of new private universities.
The decision followed years of complaints that existing universities are underfunded, overcrowded, and poorly equipped. Education unions and policy experts largely welcomed the move, describing it as a step towards improving quality rather than expanding numbers.
5. TETFund Nearly Lost Its Lifeline
One of the most controversial moments of the year came when proposed tax reforms threatened to reduce—and eventually eliminate—TETFund’s statutory funding.
After strong opposition from university unions and stakeholders, the government reversed the plan, retaining TETFund’s three per cent allocation from Companies Income Tax. In 2025 alone, the fund disbursed over ₦700 billion to public tertiary institutions.
6. ASUU Returned—Briefly
After more than two years without a strike, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) embarked on a short industrial action in October over unresolved issues tied to the 2009 agreement.
Although the government and ASUU signed a renegotiated agreement in December, many academics remain cautious, citing past failures to fully implement similar agreements.
7. Universities Were Asked to Open Their Books
The education minister directed tertiary institutions to publish their budgets, student numbers, and research funding details online. The move is intended to promote transparency and accountability, though its impact will depend on enforcement and compliance.
8. TVET Received Renewed Attention
As part of efforts to strengthen vocational education, the government reported enrolling over 100,000 learners in more than 1,600 vocational colleges nationwide. This aligns with a broader push to reduce overdependence on university education and improve employability.
9. Security Threats Returned to Schools
Beyond policy reforms, 2025 also saw the return of school abductions, with attacks on schools in Kebbi and Niger states leading to the kidnapping of hundreds of students.
These incidents reminded Nigerians that education reform cannot succeed without school safety and broader security reforms.
Nigeria’s education reforms in 2025 showed strong intent but uneven results. While important policy directions were set, implementation challenges, funding pressures, technical failures, and security concerns continue to limit impact.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
