The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Education to restore Biology as a core and compulsory subject in senior secondary schools, warning that its removal could weaken students’ scientific knowledge and understanding of the natural world.
The lawmakers also called for Spanish, German, Chinese and Russian to be introduced into Nigeria’s school curriculum to strengthen students’ language skills and prepare them for international scientific, economic and diplomatic engagements.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Ibrahim Isiaka, a member of the All Progressives Congress representing Ogun State, during Wednesday’s plenary.
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”, focused on the approved subjects outlined in a Federal Ministry of Education circular dated September 8, 2025.
Presenting the motion, Isiaka expressed concern over the exclusion of Biology from the list of compulsory subjects for senior secondary school students.
He argued that the subject provides essential knowledge about the human body, plants, animals and other living organisms, making it fundamental to students’ understanding of life, health and the environment.
The lawmaker warned that removing Biology from the compulsory curriculum could limit students’ access to scientific knowledge relevant to healthcare, agriculture, environmental protection and other fields.
“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,” Isiaka said, stressing the importance of equipping learners with knowledge that benefits individuals, society and humanity.
The motion also highlighted the importance of biological research and scientific experiments to global scientific advancement, including research conducted aboard the International Space Station and missions exploring the Moon and Mars.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Education to review the revised basic and secondary education curriculum and reinstate Biology as a core and compulsory subject at the senior secondary level.
The lawmakers also called on the ministry to establish appropriate teacher training and recruitment arrangements for the proposed foreign languages, particularly at the basic and senior secondary levels.
According to the House, expanding the pool of language teachers and interpreters would help address Nigeria’s shortage of professionals capable of facilitating communication during international engagements.
To monitor implementation, the House mandated its Committees on Basic Education and Services, Alternative Education and Basic Examination Bodies to liaise with the ministry and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
Biology is an important foundation for students seeking further education in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, agriculture and biological sciences. Its status in the senior secondary curriculum could therefore influence students’ preparation for science-related courses and career pathways.
However, the House’s resolution is a call for a review of the approved curriculum. The restoration of Biology as a compulsory subject and the introduction of the proposed foreign languages will depend on the ministry’s response and the relevant implementation process.
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