The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Education to restore Biology as a core and compulsory subject for senior secondary school students, warning that its exclusion could weaken their understanding of human life and the natural environment.

The lawmakers also called for Spanish, German, Chinese and Russian to be introduced into Nigeria’s school curriculum to improve the country’s capacity to meet growing scientific, economic, diplomatic and international demands.

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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 was 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”.

Presenting the motion, Isiaka drew attention to a Federal Ministry of Education circular dated September 8, 2025, which outlined the approved subjects for basic and senior secondary education.

He expressed concern that Biology, traditionally a core science subject in Nigerian secondary schools, had been removed from the list of compulsory subjects for senior secondary students.

Isiaka argued that the subject provides essential knowledge about the human body, plants, animals and other living organisms, helping students understand the environment and the natural world.

He warned that removing Biology from the compulsory curriculum could limit students’ access to scientific knowledge with practical applications in 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 in their capacity to acquire knowledge that is universally acknowledged and to benefit themselves, society and humanity at large,” the motion stated.

The lawmakers also noted 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 restore Biology as a core and compulsory subject at the senior secondary level.

The lawmakers further called on the ministry to develop appropriate training and recruitment arrangements for teachers of the proposed foreign languages, particularly at the basic and senior secondary levels.

They said expanding the number of language teachers and interpreters would help address Nigeria’s shortage of professionals capable of supporting communication during international engagements.

To follow up on the resolutions, 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.

The proposed review comes amid efforts to adapt Nigeria’s school curriculum to changing educational priorities and equip students with knowledge and skills relevant to national development.

Biology is a foundation for further study in fields such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, agriculture and biological sciences.

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However, the House’s resolution is a call for a curriculum review and does not, by itself, reinstate Biology as a compulsory subject. Any change would depend on the ministry’s response and the relevant implementation process.