The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council NERDC, in collaboration with TaRL Africa, has commenced the review of the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP) curriculum.
The review process was officially flagged off during a national stakeholders’ dialogue held at Villa Park Hotel on April 8, 2026.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NERDC,Prof. Salisu Shehu, said the current ABEP curriculum—approved by the National Council on Education during its 64th meeting in Port Harcourt in November 2019—is due for review after years of implementation.
He explained that ABEP is a specialized intervention designed to meet the educational needs of out-of-school children and youths aged 10 to 18 who are unable to continue in the formal school system due to age or disrupted learning.
According to him, the programme ensures that such learners are not denied access to quality education, aligning with national education policy frameworks.
Shehu noted that Accelerated Education Programmes (AEPs) are globally recognized for their flexibility, allowing learners to complete basic education within a shorter timeframe and transition into formal schooling or other pathways based on assessment.
He added that the development of ABEP was driven by the need for a standardized national curriculum adaptable across states facing similar educational challenges.
The NERDC boss further outlined the structure of the programme, which is divided into three levels: Level 1 (Primary 1–3), Level 2 (Primary 4–6), and Level 3 (Junior Secondary School 1–3). Each level runs for one academic year, split into three terms, and is delivered through flexible, learner-friendly centres.
The curriculum focuses on five core subjects: English Studies, Mathematics, Basic Science and Technology, Nigerian History and Values, and a Nigerian language—Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba.
In a presentation titled “Brief on ABEP: Understanding the Nigerian Accelerated Basic Education Programme,” the Head of the Curriculum Development Centre at NERDC, Chima Egbujuo, said the initiative provides an alternative learning pathway for overage out-of-school children and youths.
He added that the programme also supports reintegration into formal education or transition into vocational training and livelihood opportunities.
Egbujuo disclosed that the ABEP curriculum is a condensed version of the nine-year Basic Education Curriculum, structured with a compression ratio of 3:1:3, and sets minimum standards for teaching and learning.
He further revealed that the programme has been piloted with over 10,000 learners, while more than 300,000 learners are currently benefiting from its nationwide implementation.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of key institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria, Teachers Registration Council of Nigiversal Basic Education Commission, and National Commission for Mass Literacy Adult and Non-Formal Education, alongside development partners and other education stakehol